Operation and Reference Manual

for the NIST Automated AC-DC

Calibration Systems and Software

Thomas E. Lipe

NIST Special Publication 250-61
NIST Special Publication 250-61

Operation and Reference Manual

for the NIST AC-DC

Calibration Systems and Software

Thomas E. Lipe

Fundamental Electrical Measurements Group

Quantum Electrical Metrology Division

May 2004

U.S. Department of Commerce

Donald L. Evans, Secretary

Technology Administration

Phillip J. Bond, Under Secretary for Technology

National Institute of Standards and Technology

Arden L. Bement, Jr., Director
Certain commercial entities, equipment, or materials may be identified in this

document in order to describe an experimental procedure or concept adequately. Such

identification is not intended to imply recommendation or endorsement by the

National Institute of Standards and Technology, nor is it intended to imply that the

entities, materials, or equipment are necessarily the best available for the purpose.

National Institute of Standards and Technology Special Publication 250-61

Natl. Inst. Stand. Technol. Spec. Publ. 250-61, 120 pages (May 2004)

CODEN: NSPUE2

U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE

WASHINGTON: 2004

_________________________________________

For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office

Internet: bookstore.gpo.gov — Phone: (202) 512-1800 — Fax: (202) 512-2250

Mail: Stop SSOP, Washington, DC 20402-0001
Table of Contents - 1

Table of Contents

Introduction

1. Scope Introduction – 1

2. Introduction Introduction – 1

3. The NIST Automated Systems for Thermal

Transfer Standard Calibrations Introduction – 3

4. Software Design Philosophy Introduction – 3

5. Future Directions Introduction – 4

6. Conventions Introduction – 6

7. Disclaimers Introduction – 6

System Requirements

1. System Requirements System Requirements – 1

Running the Voltage System VI

1. Loading the Ac-dc Difference Program Running the Voltage VI – 1

2. Starting the Calibration Software Running the Voltage VI – 2

3. Getting Help Running the Voltage VI – 3

4. Entering Information into the

Front Panel Fields Running the Voltage VI – 3

5. Entering the Response Characteristics

for the Converters Running the Voltage VI – 5

6. Choosing the Uncertainty Data File Running the Voltage VI – 5

7. Using the Test Option Sliders Running the Voltage VI – 5

8. Changing the Nanovoltmeter Parameters Running the Voltage VI – 7

9. The GPIB Bus Status Cluster Running the Voltage VI – 7

10. Starting the Measurement Sequence Running the Voltage VI – 8
Table of Contents - 2

11. The Measurement Sequence Running the Voltage VI – 9

12. The Two-Channel N-test VI Running the Voltage VI – 11

13. Using the Note Utility Running the Voltage VI – 13

14. Measuring a Check Standard Running the Voltage VI – 13

15. Security Running the Voltage VI – 14

Running the Current System VI

1. Loading the Current System Program Running the Current VI – 1

2. Starting the Calibration Software Running the Current VI – 2

3. Getting Help Running the Current VI - 3

4. Entering Information into the

Front Panel Fields Running the Current VI – 3

5. Entering the Response Characteristics

for the Converters Running the Current VI – 5

6. Using the Test Option Sliders Running the Current VI – 5

7. Changing the Nanovoltmeter Parameters Running the Current VI – 7

8. The GPIB Bus Status Cluster Running the Current VI – 8

9. Starting the Measurement Sequence Running the Current VI – 8

10. The Measurement Sequence Running the Current VI – 9

11. The Two-Channel N-test VI Running the Current VI – 11

12. Using the Note Utility Running the Current VI – 13

13. Measuring a Check Standard Running the Current VI - 13

14. Security Running the Current VI – 13
Table of Contents - 3

The N-Test VI

1. Introduction Running the N-Test VI – 1

2. Running the N-Test VI Running the N-Test VI – 2

3. The GPIB Status Cluster Running the N-Test VI – 3

4. Starting the N-Test Software Running the N-Test VI – 3

5. Getting Help Runninf the N-Test VI - 4

6. Entering Information into the

Front Panel Fields Running the N-Test VI – 4

7. Controlling the VI Running the N-Test VI – 5

8. How the VI Runs Running the N-Test VI – 5

9. The N-Test Archival Output Running the N-Test VI – 6

Appendix A: The SubVIs

Introduction to Appendix A A–1

2. Calculate Uncertainties A–2

3. CH8100 A-3

4. Chauvenet A–4

5. Check Std. Info A–5

6. Clear System A–7

7. Date and Time A–8

8. Initialize System A–9

9. N-Test A–10

10. N-Test Report A–13

11. N-Test (2 Channel) A–15

12. Note Utility A–18
Table of Contents - 4

13. Parse Standard A–19

14. Printer Utility A–20

15. Read DVM A–25

16. Read Temperature A–27

17. Relay Control A–28

18. Set ac voltage A–29

19. Set dc voltage A–31

20. Set Frequency A–32

21. Standard Correction A–33

22. Std Corr Fit A–34

23. Datron Local A–35

24. Help Facility A–36

Appendix B: Setting up Thermal Voltage Converters for Calibration

1. Introduction B–1

2. Coaxial Thermal Voltage Converters B–2

3. Fluke 792A Thermal Transfer Standards B–5

4. Fluke 540B and Holt 6A Transfer Standards B–9

5. Ballantine Models 1600A and 1605A B–11

Appendix C: Setting up Thermal Current Converters for Calibration

1. Introduction C–1

2. Fluke A40 and A40A Current Shunts C–2

3. Holt HCS-1 Current Shunts C–7

4. Precision Measurements (PMI) 9000 Series Shunts C–10
Table of Contents - 5

Appendix D: Data Files

1. Introduction D–1

2. The Calibration Data File D–1

3. The Temperature Data File D–3

Appendix E: Instruments

1. Introduction E–1

2. Adding Instrument Definitions E–1

3. GPIB Instrument Definitions E–2

Appendix F: Uncertainties

A Brief Explanation of Uncertainty Analysis F–1

Appendix G: References

References References–1
Introduction - 1

Introduction

Scope

This document supersedes the previous operations manual for the NIST Automated Thermal

Transfer Standard Calibration Systems [1]. It provides information regarding the arrangement of

the calibration systems, their operation, and in particular the software used to control the systems

in the NIST Ac-dc Difference Laboratory. In addition, this document provides instructions for

calibrating a variety of commonly-used ac-dc transfers instruments.

Although this document provides a general introduction to thermal converters and ac-dc

difference measurements, it is really intended to assist the user of the automated calibration

systems in the everyday operation of the systems. For an excellent primer on ac-dc difference

measurements, see [2].

Introduction to Ac-dc Difference Metrology

Presently, ac voltage and current are most accurately measured by comparing the heating

effects of the alternating signal to those produced by a known dc signal of a magnitude

equivalent to that of the root-mean-square (rms) value of the ac quantity. The devices generally

used to make this comparison are thermal voltage and current converters (TVCs and TCCs)

which are useful, at various uncertainties, from a few hertz to many hundreds of megahertz.

These devices usually consist of a thermoelement (TE) either in series with a resistor (for voltage

measurements as a TVC) or in parallel with a shunt resistor (for current measurements as a

TCC). A thermoelement is composed of a heater structure, which alternately carries the ac and

dc signals to be compared, and from one to several hundred thermocouples spaced along the

heater. By applying ac and both polarities of dc in sequence, and measuring the thermocouple

output, one can use the conventional definition of ac-dc difference, δ, in parts in 106

 as

δ = × ( ) − 106 Q Q

Q

d a

d

 (1)

where Qd is that value of dc which, when applied with positive and negative polarities, produces

the same mean response as the rms ac quantity.

Present commercially available ac-dc thermal transfer standards1 are commonly based on

either single-junction thermal converters (SJTCs) [3-7] or solid-state transfer standards [8]. The

SJTCs have one thermocouple fixed to the heater wire, have outputs of 7 mV to 12 mV for full

 1

 In this document, TVC is used as an acronym for Thermal Voltage Converter, TCC for Thermal Current

Converter, and TE for Thermoelement. The term Thermal Transfer Standard is used as a general term for any of

these devices.
Introduction - 2

scale input, and respond in a roughly square-law manner to changes in the input signal. These are

found in a wide range of commercial instruments and are useful from about 10 Hz to several

hundred megahertz. The best uncertainty for these devices, exclusive of the measurement process

and any range or shunt resistors, is a few microvolts-per-volt (μV/V) or better at audio frequency

and full-scale input. The uncertainty increases at the extremes of the frequency range and at input

levels below about half of full scale. Solid-state thermal transfer standards have thermal

converters based on transistor sensors and respond linearly to the input signal. The model most

often calibrated at NIST, the Fluke Corporation 792A, has an output of 2 V for full-scale input,

and is specified at frequencies from 10 Hz to 1 MHz for voltages from 2 mV to 1000. The

uncertainties of this instrument are comparable to or better than those of SJTCs at audio

frequency, but, owing to the extremely short time constant of the thermal sensor, it is degraded at

frequencies below about 40 Hz.

Multijunction thermal converters (MJTCs) [9-11] are the most accurate thermal transfer

devices, with uncertainties of less than 1 μV/V at mid-audio frequencies. These consist of a

heater wire with multiple thermocouples connected in series-aiding. MJTCs have several

advantages over SJTCs. Because the thermal gradients are smaller along the heater,

thermoelectric effects are greatly reduced compared to those of SJTCs. The greater number of

thermocouples provide an output voltage of several tens of millivolts or more, which is easier to

measure than the smaller outputs of the SJTCs, and they are true square-law-responding devices.

The disadvantages of MJTCs are their limited frequency response of about 30 Hz to 10 kHz,

their long time constants, which make for a lengthy measurement cycle, and their cost. Because

of these limitations, MJTCs are generally used only in primary standards laboratories.

The latest advance in thermal transfer devices is the Film Multijunction Thermal Converter

(FMJTC) [12,13] which uses thin-film fabrication technology to deposit the heater and

thermocouples on a silicon chip. These devices have been fabricated at NIST and elsewhere and

have the potential to be used as working standards in place of SJTCs.

Thermal current converters are generally realized as a thermal voltage converter in parallel

with a high-precision shunt resistor [14,15] and have uncertainties of tens of μA/A at audio

frequency and moderate current. NIST has fabricated FMJTCs that have uncertainties of less that

10 μA/A at low currents and audio frequencies, but these are not in everyday use as ac-dc

transfer standards at the time of this publication. Work continues in this area to develop highcurrent FMJTCs.

Since TEs commonly have a maximum input voltage of from 0.5 V to 2 V, higher voltage

ranges are realized by placing a high-precision resistor in series with the TE. To be suitable as

multiplying resistors in a TVC, the ac-dc differences of such resistors should be as independent

as possible to variations in frequency and voltage. These resistor modules frequently have

internal shielding to compensate the capacitance between the resistor itself and the external

shield, and are usually either of wire-wound construction or consist of a metal film deposited on
Introduction - 3

a glass form. In either case, for higher voltages, the resistor makes the dominant contribution to

both the ac-dc difference and the uncertainty of a TVC [16,17].

The NIST Automated Systems for Thermal Transfer Standard Calibrations

The present generation of NIST automated thermal transfer standard calibration systems was

begun by a prototype system designed by Earl S. Williams and assembled in the early part of the

1980s [18,19]. This system was initially intended for the testing and development of solid-state

transistor-based sensors. It became obvious that this automated system was also ideal for routine

ac-dc difference measurements as part of the regular NIST calibration service for thermal

transfer instruments. Accordingly, it was employed for some routine calibrations in early 1984.

Because of the success of this system, a second automated system was assembled and used for

routine calibrations beginning in 1985. A third automated system, initially intended for current

calibrations, was assembled in 1998, and a fourth in 2000. Because of the availability of highperformance transconductance amplifiers, all four automated systems can be used for both

voltage and current calibrations.

Although these three automated systems differ in their exact details, all automated ac-dc

calibration systems have several common attributes, as shown in Figure 1. All must have highlystable and precise sources of ac voltage or current and dc voltage or current, an arrangement for

switching between the ac and dc signals, and a method of monitoring the outputs of the thermal

converters with adequate precision. In the NIST systems, the ac and dc signals are provided by

separate sources, although in principle, a multifunction calibrator might serve as a single signal

source, and the switching is accomplished by relays. The millivolt-level output electromotive

forces (emfs) of the thermal converters are monitored using sensitive, low-noise digital

nanovoltmeters. The systems also have various arrangements of ac and dc voltmeters and

frequency counters to monitor the performance of the system.

The calibration systems are controlled by Apple eMac [20] running National Instruments’

LabVIEW [21] software. LabVIEW is a graphics-oriented system control package, which acts as

a “virtual instrument” (VI) during the calibration procedure, displaying data and results in real

time as the measurements proceed. This arrangement is a significant improvement over the older

BASIC language-based systems, which, although menu-driven and straightforward to use,

nevertheless required the operator to proceed through many screens to operate the system. With

the “virtual instrument” concept, the same screen is displayed for the entire calibration run (in

most cases) and acts as both the input and output stages of the system.

Software Design Philosophy

The original automated systems were controlled by software written in Hewlett Packard (HP)

BASIC for Model 86/87 computers. This software was arranged in one large program, with very
Introduction - 4

little structure and convoluted program flow. These features made the software extremely

difficult to understand and maintain, and its monolithic structure precluded modifications

necessary to calibrate various instruments. In addition, the Model 86 computer which ran the

original software had no provision for direct cursor addressing, which frequently resulted in

measurement data scrolling off the top of the screen.

The second generation of software was written in Hewlett Packard’s Rocky Mountain

BASIC. This software was arranged in a completely modular fashion, with a relatively short

main program and 58 subroutines. This arrangement made the software more readily

understandable (particularly since the routines were well documented) and much easier to

modify if necessary. The disadvantage of its large size (over 100 000 lines of code) and lengthy

program loading times were compensated for by the “package” concept, whereby one did not

need to exit the main ac-dc difference program once it was loaded. The HP Series 300 computers

that ran this software had facilities for direct cursor addressing, so data no longer scrolled off the

top of the screen. The software also included extensive error trapping code, read and wrote a

variety of data files to assign appropriate corrections to NIST standards, and archived the data on

the Unit Under Test (UUT).

The success of the second generation software is demonstrated by the twelve years of

continuous operation on two automated systems, and the two systems were still performing quite

well into 1997. Nevertheless, the computers that operated the systems were beginning to show

some age (becoming less reliable and more prone to disk problems) and it was decided to replace

these computers and software packages before the occurrence of a major problem which might

impact the calibration service. The HP Series 300 computers were replaced by Apple Macintosh

7200/120 machines, and the interpreted BASIC software was replaced by the LabVIEW

package. The new systems were placed into routine operation in early 1998 and presently control

four automated systems.

The design philosophy used in the coding of the Rocky Mountain BASIC software package

was again used in the LabVIEW package. A large part of the system control is performed by

recursive calls to subroutines (or subVIs as they are known in LabVIEW). The software has

extensive native error trapping and file handling routines for archiving data and is easily

modified to accommodate new types of instrumentation and new program structures. Data is

written to defined sections of the screen, so scrolling is not a consideration (and LabVIEW

allows for scrolling windows if necessary). Owing to its graphical user interface and “wiring

diagram” coding, LabVIEW programs may be difficult to understand for users who are

unfamiliar with the software package; however, following the program flow is straightforward

and LabVIEW’s self-documenting features facilitate comprehension.

The Macintosh 7200/120 computers were replaced in 2003 by Apple eMac computers. In

addition, several Windows-based computers are used on the automated systems.
Introduction - 5

Future Directions

The LabVIEW-based software is presently in routine operation in the Ac-dc Difference

Calibration Service at NIST and no major revision is anticipated. However, as is the case in all

information technology ventures, incremental improvements will be made on a regular basis to

ensure that the calibration system software remains current and fulfills the mission of the

laboratory. Future updates will also render this documentation a bit dated; however, the basic

operation of the systems is not expected to change for some time. The only major anticipated

change in the operation may be to allow the remote operation of the systems from the Internet.

Figure 1. Photograph of NIST Automated System II.

The other three automated systems are similar. The components

of the system are shown in Table 1.

1 2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10
Introduction - 6

Table 1. Components of Automated System II as shown in Figure 1.

instrument Function Instrument Function

1 Dc voltage monitor voltmeter 6 Oscilloscope

2 Temperature monitor voltmeter 7 Ac voltage monitor DVM

3 Relay controller 8 Ac source

4 Dc source 9 Test and standard detectors

5 Frequency counter 10 Relay box

Conventions Used in This Document

Throughout this document, various text styles represent different parts of the software or the

front panel display and affect the way you interact with the software. Table 2 presents the

meaning of the different text styles.

Table 2. Meanings of the various text styles used in this document.

Style Example Significance

BOLD RUN, START Front panel “buttons” you use to control the operation of the

automated system. You activate these “buttons” by clicking

on them using the mouse.

CAPITAL ENTER Keys on the keyboard.

Bold Results, System

Status

Groups of indicators on the LabVIEW front panel. These

groups are color-coded for identification and are generally

used to display information about the measurement process.

Italic Freq., N Rows or columns in an array or table.

Italic Ac-dc Difference Front-panel file aliases.

SMALL CAPS STANDARD CORR Refers to a LabVIEW subVI.

Disclaimers

Certain product names are used in this document to adequately describe the automated

calibration systems and test procedures. Use of these product names does not imply endorsement

by NIST nor does it imply that these products are necessarily the best available for the intended

purpose.

A challenge of documenting software is keeping up with the rapid changes in software

versions. This document describes the automated measurement systems at the time of writing.

Updates to both the LabVIEW package and the program itself may create some differences in the

way the programs are run that are not included in this manual.
System Requirements - 1

NIST Ac-dc Difference Calibration Software System Requirements

The software for controlling the NIST Ac-dc Difference calibration systems is written in

LabVIEW, a graphically-oriented programming language available from National

Instruments1 [1]. Work on the software began in 1997 using LabVIEW 4; presently the

software runs under LabVIEW 7.

The combined size of the individual subVIs comprising the ac-dc difference software is

5.7 MB (for a Macintosh).

The minimum system requirements for LabVIEW 7 may be found at

http://www.ni.com/labview/requirements

Minimum requirements for the ac-dc software are not exactly known. The software is

cross-platform compatible and has been successfully used on a variety of platforms, as

shown in the following table.

Platform Processor Speed OS Memory Disk Space

Apple eMac Apple G4 800 MHz MacOS 10.2 256 MB 40 GB

Apple iBook Apple G3 500 MHz MacOS 9.2 256 MB 10 GB

Apple G4 Apple G4 400 MHz MacOS 9.2 1.12 GB 10 GB

Apple 7200 PowerPC 120 MHz MacOS 8.6 128 MB 1 GB

Dell GX Pentium 4 1.8 GHz Windows 2000 524 MB 40 GB

AMD AMD-K6 900 MHz Windows 2000 132 MB 40 GB

TCP Pentium 2 400 MHz Windows 2000 132 MB 10 GB

Because the calibration systems are controlled and data acquired via the IEEE-488

(GPIB) interface, a suitable method for interfacing the controller with the GPIB bus is

required. The Ac-dc calibration software has been successfully implemented using the

National Instruments NI-488.2 software suite of GPIB drivers controlling the following

interfaces:

• National Instruments GPIB-PCI PCI card on both Windows and Macintosh

computers (running MacOS 9.2 and below), where appropriate.

• National Instruments GPIB-USB B adapter, on Windows computers

 1

 Commercial names are used in this document to fully describe the calibration systems. A reference to a

commercial product does not imply endorsement from NIST, nor that the product is necessarily the best

available for the application.
System Requirements - 2

• National Instruments GPIB-ENET adapter on Macintosh computers running MacOS

10.2 and higher.

Note that even though the Ac-dc Difference Calibration software is platform independent,

the user will need to change the file paths of the various data files used by the program.

Instructions for doing this are included in the software documentation.
Running the Voltage VI - 1

Running the Voltage System VI

Loading the Voltage System Program

To load the software for the voltage calibration system, double-click the Voltage System

Startup.vi icon on the desktop. After loading the subVIs required for program execution, the

Voltage Calibration front panel (Figure 1) will be displayed. Refer to Appendix A for a complete

description of the LabVIEW front panel objects and their functions.

Figure 1. The front panel for the Voltage System VI

The front panel of the voltage calibration VI is divided into regions that are used for

controlling the VI, or for viewing the results of the calibration. These general regions are:

• Test Parameters: This section of the front panel is where you enter the conditions of the

calibration; the applied voltage, the voltage ranges of the test and standard TVCs, and the

response characteristics of the thermoelements used for the calibration.

• DVM Control: This section allows you to control the operation of the digital voltmeters

?
Running the Voltage VI - 2

(DVMs) used to monitor the outputs of the thermal converters.

• GPIB Bus Status: A cluster of enumerated lists, which defines the instruments available on

the GPIB (IEEE-488) interface bus.

• System Status: This section presents information about how the calibration is going,

including the adjusted ac voltage, the temperature, and the data file path.

• Program Control: This section is where you choose options for the calibration program, like

running an n-test, manually warming up the converters, and so forth.

• Results: This section presents the ongoing results of the calibration at a particular frequency.

In addition to these sections, two more regions are shown on the front panel. The table

appearing just above the Results section is where you enter the frequencies of the calibration, and

where the results for each frequency are presented after the frequency finishes. The fields at the

top of the display allow you to enter the identification of the UUT and the standard. Each of

these fields and front panel regions will be discussed further below.

Starting the Calibration Software

Before you can enter the test parameters into the calibration program, the Voltage System VI

must be running. The Voltage Calibration VI loads in RUN mode, so that it is running when it

opens. However, after a calibration is complete, the VI may be rerun without starting it from the

Voltage System Startup.vi icon. To start the calibration VI, simply click on the RUN button in the

LabVIEW menu bar.

☛ Note: Do not confuse the LabVIEW RUN button with the green START button on the

System VI front panel. The RUN button starts execution of the VI. The START button breaks the

VI out of an idle loop and lets it proceed with the measurement sequence. Similarly, the

LabVIEW STOP button halts program execution but does not reset the voltage sources or GPIB

bus. The red STOP button on the VI front panel does reset the voltage sources and the GPIB bus.

When the VI is run, the Results table, Previous Data arrays, and Present Data arrays are

cleared, and the date and current time are displayed in the System Status region. The test

information, test parameter, and DVM control fields, however, are not cleared, as it is sometimes

handy to keep this information from run to run. For example, if you a calibrating a thermal

voltage converter set, chances are that you will need to change only those parameters that change

with range, like the serial number of the TVC, and not re-enter all of the test parameters again.
Running the Voltage VI - 3

Getting Help

You may get help at any time by clicking the box with the question mark at the right side of

the title banner. Clicking this button launches Adobe Acrobat Reader, and displays the

automated system documentation (this document). However, it is probably not a good idea to

request help while the system is running, as this is likely to disrupt the timing.

Entering Information Into the Front Panel Fields

Press the TAB key to move the cursor to the Test ID field and enter the appropriate

information, perhaps the folder number of the calibration or a similar identifier. After you have

finished entering this information, press TAB again to complete the data entry and move the

cursor to the next field, the Test Information field. Enter information about the calibration into

this field.

Step through the fields displayed on the front panel, entering information for each field in

turn and terminating the data entry using the TAB key. The panel order for the front panel

controls and a description of the controls is shown in Table 1.

Table 1. Descriptions of the fields on the Voltage System VI front panel. The number indicates

the order in which the fields are entered using the TAB key.

Panel Order Field Type of information.

1 Test ID An identification for the calibration. Usually the

calibration folder number or similar information.

2 Test Information Information about the Unit Under Test. Usually the

type of UUT, its serial number, and customer.

3 Standard The identifier of the NIST standard. Something like

W20#12 or W250#4.

4 Applied Voltage (V) The applied voltage of the calibration, in volts.

5 Standard Range (V) The voltage range of the standard TVC, in volts.

6 Test Range (V) The voltage range of the UUT, in volts.

7 Voltage Drop (V) The voltage drop of a series resistor.1

8 Ms The value of M for the NIST standard.2

9 Ns The value of N for the NIST standard.

 1

 For calibrating thermal voltage converters at levels below 1 V or so, it is sometimes helpful to insert a series

resistor in the signal path before the Tee. This allows the voltage sources to operate at a higher level where they are

generally more stable.

2

 See Chapter 3 for a description of the N-test VI and an explanation of these parameters.
Running the Voltage VI - 4

Table 1. Descriptions of the fields on the Voltage System VI front panel. The number indicates

the order in which the fields are entered using the TAB key.

10 Mt The value of M for the UUT.

11 Nt The value of N for the UUT.

12 Switching Delay (s) The time delay between the relay switching and the

activation of the DVM filters, in seconds.

13 Filter Delay (s) The time delay between the activation of the DVM

filters and the beginning of data collection, in seconds.

14 Balance Delay (s) The time delays used for the relay switching and

voltmeter filter activation when the system is

balancing the voltage sources.3

15 DVM

Readings/Trigger

The number of readings per trigger taken by the

DVMs monitoring the output of the TVCs. These

readings are averaged internally by the DVMs.

☛ Note: To help you avoid over-ranging the converters, the software compares the value of the

applied voltage you request to the voltage ranges of the standard and UUT, and, if the applied

voltage exceeds either of these ranges, the Applied control turns red and the system beeps to get

your attention. This alert condition is cleared when you enter ranges for the converters that are

equal to or greater than the applied voltage. But when the Voltage System VI is first loaded, all

controls are set to 0; thus the applied voltage will exceed the voltage ranges of the converters

(since you enter the applied voltage first), and the alert condition will be activated.

Because LabVIEW recognizes the results summary table above the Results section as a table

rather than a control, you cannot use the TAB key to step into this field. Instead, click the cursor

in the first cell in the freq. column and enter the input signal frequency. If you do not add a unit

to the frequency, the software interprets the number to be in kilohertz (so that entering .02 sets

the frequency to 20 Hz, 10 sets it to 10 kHz, and so on). Alternatively, you can add the units

yourself. Advance to the next cell down in the freq. column by pressing the RETURN key.

When you have entered all test frequencies, terminate the final entry by pressing the ENTER key

on the numeric keypad, by clicking somewhere on the front panel, or by clicking on the

LabVIEW ENTER (√) button. If you wish to change the number of data points for a frequency,

double-click in the N column beside the frequency of interest. You may step down through the N

column by pressing the RETURN key. The other columns in the table are for data collected

during the measurement sequence, and you need not enter information into these columns.

 3

 Using a shorter delay while the system is balancing the voltage sources can save some time.
Running the Voltage VI - 5

Entering the Response Characteristics for the Converters

To calculate the ac-dc difference of the thermal converters, the system needs to know how

the output of the converters changes in response to small changes in the input voltage or current.

This response characteristic is generally called n and is discussed at length later in the

documentation You can pass the value of n to the systems in several ways. The response

characteristics of the NIST standards have been compiled and may be entered directly into the

Ac-dc Difference VI as the values M and N (fields 8-11 in the Test Parameters section of

controls). Alternatively, you may elect to measure the response characteristics of the converters

using the n-test procedure described in “Using the Test Option Sliders” section below, or run the

stand-alone n-test procedure described in chapter “The N-test VI”. Or if you don’t know the

characteristics for the NIST standard converter, you may leave the Ms and Ns fields blank and

the subVI STANDARD CORR will look up the M and N for you, provided the standard is defined in

the subVI.

Choosing the Uncertainty Data File

The Ac-dc Difference Calibration software will calculate the uncertainty of the measurement

based on the Type A uncertainty of the calibration and the Type B uncertainty estimates for the

thermal converter and measurement system. The Type B uncertainty information is stored in a

separate file for each type of thermal converter (coaxial, multirange, Fluke 792A) the system

routinely measures. Select the data file to load the Type B uncertainties from by using the

LabVIEW Operating Tool to select the appropriate source data file in the UNCERTAINTIES

FROM enumerated list shown below the response characteristic fields. If you are calibrating an

internal standard, select “Internal” from the list. See the description for the subVI CALCULATE

UNCERTAINTY for more information.

Using the Test Option Sliders

In the Program Control section of the front panel is a set of six slider controls, which allow

you to set various options for the measurement sequence. The sliders are initially set to their

default values. To select an option, click on the desired slider with the LabVIEW Operating

Tool. The slider will switch from the default setting to the desired setting. A list of these sliders,

their default settings, and their functions follow:

 Automatic Shutdown (ON): Normally the system is set to shut itself down after a calibration.

The GPIB bus is reset, the voltage removed from the converters, and the software left in its

power-on state. Occasionally you may wish to prevent the system from shutting down

following a calibration, perhaps to avoid cooling the converters. To prevent an automatic
Running the Voltage VI - 6

shutdown, set this slider to OFF. After the measurement cycle finishes, the software is reset,

but the GPIB bus is not, so that will still be supplied to the TVCs.

Warning: A potential safety hazard may exist if you deselect the automatic shutdown

feature. You should be aware that voltage will still be supplied to the TVCs after the program has

stopped, and take steps to ensure that this does not create a hazard for you or anyone else in the

laboratory. It is strongly suggested that you use the automatic shutdown feature.

Automatic Warmup (ON): The software will calculate a warmup time for the TVCs based on the

applied voltage. The warmup time for each voltage is shown in Table 2. If you wish to select a

different warmup time, click on the slider. The slider will be replaced with a LabVIEW control.

Click in the control, and enter the desired warmup time in minutes. Terminate the entry by

pressing the ENTER key.

Table 2. Default warmup times for various applied voltages

Applied Voltage (V) Automatic Warmup (m)

0-50 5

51-100 10

101-250 20

251-500 30

500-1000 45

 Automatic N-Test (OFF): In order to calibrate a TCC, the system needs to know how the

output of the TCC changes in response to small changes in the input voltage. This response is

governed by the equation

E kI n = (2)

where E is the TVC output, I is the input current, k is a constant and n is the response

characteristic of the TVC, and is the quantity we need to know. To find n, one can either use

the stand-alone n-test routine or choose the AUTOMATIC N-TEST option slider to run the

single-voltage n-test. This subVI determines n at the presently applied voltage. The details of

this subVI are found later in this section.

☛ Note: A general guideline is to use the stand-alone n-test for thermal converter sets which

have multiple TEs, and the single- n-test for single TEs.
Running the Voltage VI - 7

• Add Note (OFF): Occasionally you may wish to describe the measurement conditions in

more detail than the Test Information field has room for. Clicking on this slider opens a

window, where you may enter up to five lines of text, which are appended to the results

sheet. A detailed description of this utility is found later in this section.

• Chk. Standard (OFF): Click on this slider to measure a check standard simultaneously with

the UUT. After you click this slider to ON, LabVIEW opens a window into which you enter

information about the check standard and the file to which you wish to save its results. The

details are found later in this section.

• Function: This slider is initially set by the Start Voltage System.vi routine to be in the voltage

position. If you run the Ac-dc Difference VI again with the slider in this position, the front

panel defaults to the voltage calibration mode. However, if you use the LabVIEW Selection

Tool to set the slider to the current position, the front panel will run in the current calibration

mode when you click the LabVIEW RUN button.

Changing the Nanovoltmeter Parameters

The nanovoltmeters used as detectors for the thermoelement outputs are set to internally

average multiple readings when triggered. The number of readings to be averaged is displayed in

the DVM Readings/Trigger control. This parameter is generally set to 24 for Keithley Model 182

nanovoltmeters and 12 for Hewlett Packard Model 34420A voltmeters4

. To change this

parameter, double click on the control and enter the desired number of readings, or use the

Operating Tool to click on the up/down arrows beside the control field. The nanovoltmeters are

triggered following two separate delays. Switching Delay is the time (in seconds) the system

waits between switching from ac to dc (or vice versa) and the activation of the nanovoltmeter

filters. Filter Delay is the time (also in seconds) the system waits for the filter output to settle

before beginning data collection. To change either of these parameters, either double-click in the

desired field and enter the delay, or click on the up or down arrows with the Operating Tool.

The GPIB Bus Status Cluster

Rather than explicitly define the types and addresses of each instrument on the GPIB bus in

the program code, this information is disseminated throughout the program via a LabVIEW

cluster of enumerated lists. Each instrument definition box is a list of the instruments presently

supported by the Ac-dc Difference system. The address of the associated instrument appears in

an integer control beside the list box. This arrangement gives you much more flexibility in

 4

 The difference in readings is due to the longer integration times for the Hewlett Packard meters.
Running the Voltage VI - 8

choosing the instruments for the calibration system, as you can change instruments without

changing the source code.

You may need to modify the GPIB bus definitions. To change the defined instrument, you

first need to select the Operating Tool from the LabVIEW Tools palette. The Operating Tool is

the one that looks like a hand with its index finger raised () and you can select this tool by

either pressing the TAB key until it appears, or by pressing the COMMAND () key while

simultaneously depressing the mouse button. Once you select this tool, you can see a list of the

defined instruments in each enumerated box by positioning the Operating Tool over the list box

and depressing the mouse button. A list of instruments defined for use with the present software

version will be presented, and you may select a different instrument by positioning the hand over

the desired instrument and releasing the mouse button. Change the GPIB address, if you need to,

by either clicking on the up and down arrows to change the displayed address, or by doubleclicking on the address to highlight the text, then typing in the correct address and pressing the

ENTER key to terminate the data entry.

☛ Note: Because the GPIB cluster is initialized in the first frame of the LabVIEW software,

you MUST set the GPIB instruments and their addresses BEFORE clicking on the green START

button.

Starting the Measurement Sequence

Once you have entered all the appropriate test parameters, click on the green START button

on the front panel. The button turns a brighter green and begins to flash to indicate that the

system is running, and LabVIEW begins to initialize the GPIB bus. The instruments defined in

the GPIB Bus Status cluster are cleared, and the voltage sources initialized to the proper values

and turned on. It is a good idea to watch the voltage displayed on the ac and dc voltmeters to

ensure that the sources are functioning correctly and supplying the proper voltages to the thermal

converters. Once you are sure that the proper voltage is being supplied, set the system output

on/off switch to ON.5 You may monitor the output emfs of the TVCs as they come up by

observing the nanovoltmeter readings.

☛ Note: To ensure that the ac-dc differences are calculated properly, the software automatically

takes the absolute value of the output emfs shown on the nanovoltmeters. The signs of the

thermal converter outputs are irrelevant to the calculations and may be positive or negative.

 5

 On Automated Systems 1 and 2, the output on/off switch is on the front of the relay panel. On Systems 3 and 4, it

is on a dedicated switch box located between the ac-dc relay and the GR 874 Tee.
Running the Voltage VI - 9

If you have chosen the automatic warm-up option, the software will calculate a warm-up

period based on the applied voltage. The time until the start of data collection is displayed in the

System Status section, counting down from the chosen warm-up time. If the automatic warm-up

option is not selected, the warm-up time will be that defined in the control displayed when you

disabled the automatic warm-up feature.

You may override the automatic warm-up by clicking on the yellow button marked

CONTINUE. Clicking this button breaks the system out of warm-up mode, and it proceeds to the

measurement sequence. The button remains a brighter yellow to remind you that the thermal

converters did not have a full warm-up, just in case the results are poor.

After the desired warmup time has elapsed, the system will read the initial emf of the thermal

converters. Upon reading these emfs, the system calculates the sensitivity, K (K = nE ), and

displays the emf and K for each converter in the appropriate cells in the Present Data section.

The Measurement Sequence

The measurement sequence begins with the first dc point. Dc has been applied from the

beginning, of course, so all the system does for the first point is to call the READ DVM subVI to

read the detectors. You will notice that a round yellow LED indicator is displayed on the front

panel beside the first Dc: box. This indicator signifies the type of applied voltage (dc in this

case), and will cycle through the dc, ac, dc sequence as the applied voltage is changed. You may

also note the plus sign in the LED, indicating the polarity of the applied dc voltage. After waiting

for the filters to settle, the nanovoltmeters are read, and the output emfs of the converters are

formatted and displayed in the initial Dc: boxes.

The relays are then switched to the ac position, to apply alternating voltage to the converters.

Simultaneously, the yellow LED indicator on the front panel moves to the ac position, and the

system begins a waiting period for the converters to stabilize after the relay switch. The

remaining time for this delay is displayed in the System Status block. After the initial wait, the

nanovoltmeter filters are activated, and a second wait permits the filtered readings to settle. The

emfs are then read and displayed in the Ac: box on the front panel, and the relays are switched to

the dc position.

While the relays are in the ac position, the polarity of the dc source is reversed, so that the

converters are measured with both polarities of dc applied. The yellow LED, now with a minus

sign superimposed, indicated that the second dc signal is applied. After waiting for the converters

to settle as before, the second dc readings are collected from the nanovoltmeters. The ac-dc

difference and dc reversal error for each channel are displayed inside the δ: and R: boxes, and the

uncorrected ac-dc difference for the unit under test is calculated and displayed in the topmost

box of the Previous δ column. The calculated (uncorrected) ac-dc difference of UUT is displayed

as a yellow point on the graph displayed in the Results section.
Running the Voltage VI - 10

If the ac-dc difference of the standard channel is less than 50 × 10-6, then the ac and dc

sources are balanced well enough so that the imbalance in the sources will have a negligible

effect on the ac-dc difference. In this case, the system will discard the first data point collected to

deal with the Famous First Point Effect6

, and start another triad of measurements with dc.

Assuming that the supplies remain in balance, this next point is the first one kept as a

measurement point.

If, however, the ac-dc difference of the standard channel is greater than 50 × 10-6, the system

will trim the ac source to approximately balance the dc source, and the measurement sequence

will start over. The system will continue with this cycle until the supplies are in balance, and will

then go on to begin the calibration. The adjusted ac will be displayed in the Ac (V): indicator in

the System Status block, and reflects how far from nominal the ac source is set to balance the

output of the dc source. A large and variable adjustment or an inability to balance the supplies

may indicate a failure in one of the voltage sources, or instability in the standard. Note that, as

the system attempts to balance the supplies, the system uses the time shown in the Balance Delay

(s) field as both the delay for the switching and voltmeter filters. You can save some time by

setting this value to be smaller than the values shown in the Switching Delay and Filter Delay

fields.

As the calibration progresses, the uncorrected ac-dc differences are displayed in the

Previous δ column vector. Although in principle an infinite number (or at least 32 767) of points

may be taken, the monitor limits the visible length of this column vector to 15 points, and the

displayed length of the vector is set to the smaller of the number of points specified in the N

column of the Results table, or 15. If you wish to view data “below” the end of the column, use

the Operating Tool to either increment or decrement the array row index (the upper of the two

indices) or double click on the index and enter the row number of the cell you wish to see

displayed at the top of the column. You can keep track of which point is being measured by

noting the Point...of... display at the right side of the System Status block.

Once the N points have been measured, the subVI Chauvenet is called. This subVI uses

Chauvenet’s Criterion [22] to test the data against a normal distribution and to identify outliers.

Those points not meeting Chauvenet’s Criterion are discarded (up to a maximum determined by

the number of points measured) and the average and standard deviation of the mean of the

remaining data points calculated. This information is displayed in the appropriate cells in the

Results Table. The arrays are cleared and the ac source is set to the next frequency. After a brief

wait to let the system stabilize at the new frequency, the system goes on to measure the first

point at the new frequency. The results of the measurements at the just-completed frequency are

passed to the subVI PRINTER UTILITY, which puts the information in a presentable format, and

 6

 The Famous First Point Effect is an often-observed but unexplained phenomenon wherein the first data point

collected by the system far exceeds Chauvenet’s Criterion for acceptance of the data. It is dealt with here by simply

always ignoring the first data point.
Running the Voltage VI - 11

sends it to the print queue. Because LabVIEW has the dominant priority for system resources in

order to keep the measurement timing consistent, the hardcopy will be printed only after all N

measurements have been completed. In addition, PRINTER UTILITY writes out the results to a data

file, for future reference.

If the automatic shutdown option has been selected, after all the frequencies have been

measured the GPIB bus is cleared and the outputs of the voltage sources turned off, all relays are

returned to their default positions, and the print queue is freed up to print the results of all the

frequencies you specified. If Automatic Shutdown has been disabled, the system is left in its

operational state, with the supplies set to deliver voltage and relays in the dc position. Since

LabVIEW is not actively operating the system, however, the print queue is free to print the test

results. An explanation of the data files may be found in Appendix D. The green START button

is left in its ON state to remind you that the system has indeed been operating.

At any point in the measurement sequence, if you wish to stop the system, you may either

pause the system or click on the red STOP button7

. Clicking on this button immediately removes

the voltage or current from the converters, clears the GPIB bus and halts processing, leaving the

system in its power-on mode. To pause the system, click on the LabVIEW PAUSE button on the

menu at the top of the LabVIEW window. This halts the system operation at the DATE AND TIME

utility, but leaves the sources in their operate modes. Pausing the system also changes the display

to the wiring diagram of the ac-dc difference VI. To display the front panel, press the command

key () in unison with E or select the Show Panel option in the LabVIEW WINDOWS menu.

To continue with the measurements, click on the LabVIEW PAUSE button again.

The Two-Channel N-test VI

The automated system software lets you measure the response characteristic of a thermal

converter in two ways. A separate, stand-alone VI (N-test) measures the n of one thermoelement

at a variety of input levels, and then performs a linear regression on the data. The resulting

coefficients of the regression (M and N) may then be used to calculate n for any output emf for

the TVC. This VI comes in handy when you are calibrating a TVC set wherein a single TE is

used with several shunts to create multiple voltage ranges.

If you have only one TE operating at a single input level, you may elect to run a two-channel

n-test by setting the AUTOMATIC N-TEST slider in the Test Options section to ON. The twochannel n-test VI front panel (Figure 3) will be presented. The test information you entered into

the main Ac-dc Difference VI front panel will be preserved and displayed in the appropriate

fields in the N-TEST subVI.

 7

 Pressing the ESC key on the keyboard has the same effect as clicking on the STOP button.
Running the Voltage VI - 12

Figure 3. The two-channel n-test front panel.

The N-TEST subVI is called and executed automatically with no intervention on your part. At

the end of the n-test measurement, the ns of both the standard and test converters will be returned

to the calling VI, and the ac-dc calibration sequence will resume with the application of the first

dc voltage. If, however, you need to halt the n-test routine before it terminates, click on the red

STOP button8 on the n-test front panel. The GPIB bus will be reset and removed from the

thermal converters.

☛ Note: The ns for the standard and test converters are displayed in the Std. n: and Test n:

indicators in the System Status block of the front panel, but the n-test front panel is immediately

closed and the ac-dc difference front panel reactivated, so you will probably never see these

numbers. Since the results of the n-test are returned directly to the ac-dc difference routine, no

hardcopy is produced. However; if there is a problem in the continuation of the ac-dc difference

VI, you may view these values by re-launching N-test (2-channel). The last values of n for both

converters will be displayed in the System Status block.

For a more complete description of the mechanics of the n-test VIs, see the section on the ntest VI later in the documentation.

 8

 Again, pressing the ESC key has the same effect as clicking on the STOP button.
Running the Voltage VI - 13

Using the Note Utility

Occasionally, you might need to preserve more information about a measurement than the

Test Information field allows. To create a note, click on the ADD NOTE slider in the Test Option

section. A new window, shown in Figure 4, is presented.

Figure 4. The window displayed after you select the Add Note option.

To enter the note, click in the large text field. Enter the annotation. The note can be as long as

there is room in the field. When you are finished, click on ACCEPT NOTE to accept the note.

Click on RESET NOTE to clear the field and start over. Make any editorial changes in the note

by positioning the cursor at the desired position in the annotation and clicking the mouse button.

After you click on ACCEPT NOTE, the window disappears, leaving the Ac-dc Difference

front panel visible. The annotation will appear at the bottom of the printed data sheet.

Measuring a Check Standard

An excellent way to ensure that the calibration process as a whole (systems, software, and

standards) is in control is to measure a check standard simultaneously with the UUT. By keeping

a history of the check standard results, you can quickly determine if some part of the calibration

process is changing with time. The Ac-dc Difference calibration software allows you to measure

a check standard as part of a routine calibration.

To tell the system that you wish to measure a check standard, click on the CHECK

STANDARD slider in the Test Options section of the front panel. A pop-up window (Figure 5)

appears. Enter the identification of the check standard by clicking in the Check Standard ID field

and typing in the identification. Then use the TAB key to step through the other fields, entering

the appropriate information for the check standard voltage range and its M and N. If necessary,

use the Operating Tool to change the type of nanovoltmeter you wish to use to monitor the check

standard, and its GPIB address.
Running the Voltage VI - 14

When you are finished entering the check standard information, click on the OK button. A

third window pops up to let you select the data file to which to save the check standard data.

Select a file in an appropriate folder, or create a new folder and/or file if necessary.9

After you select the check standard data file, both of the newly-opened windows are closed

and the entire Ac-dc Difference front panel becomes visible again.

While the UUT and check standard are being measured, you may use the CHECK/UUT slider

located next to the Previous δ column vector to toggle the graph and previous data displays

between the UUT and the check standard.

Security

Strictly speaking, the data collected by the automated systems on customer’s instruments is

proprietary information and owned by the customer. In the strictest sense, no one but the NIST

personnel directly involved with the calibration should be able to view the data. To prevent

display of data, select the Operating Tool and click in the lower right corner of the System Status

area. The Results table, Previous δ vector, Present Data display and graph are all set to be not

visible. Clicking on the lower right corner again renders these indicators visible.

 9

 The data files created by the calibration program are in tab-delimited ASCII text format, suitable for editing in a

spreadsheet application like Microsoft Excel.
Running the Current VI - 1

Running the Current System VI

Loading the Current System Program

To load the software for the current calibration system, double-click the Current System

Startup.vi icon on the desktop. After loading the subVIs required for program execution, the

Current Calibration front panel (Figure 1) will be displayed. Refer to Appendix A for a complete

description of the LabVIEW front panel objects and their functions.

Figure 1. The front panel for the Current System VI

The front panel of the current calibration VI is divided into regions that are used for

controlling the VI, or for viewing the results of the calibration. These general regions are:

• Test Parameters: This section of the front panel is where you enter the conditions of the

calibration; the applied current, the current ranges of the test and standard TCCs, and the

response characteristics of the thermoelements used for the calibration.

• DVM Control: This section allows you to control the operation of the digital voltmeters

(DVMs) used to monitor the outputs of the thermal converters.

?
Running the Current VI - 2

• Amplifier Type: This section lets you define a particular type of transconductance amplifier

(or no amplifier at all), and sets its transconductance.

• GPIB Bus Status: A cluster of enumerated lists, which defines the instruments available on

the GPIB (IEEE-488) interface bus.

• System Status: This section presents information about how the calibration is going,

including the compliance voltage of the amplifier, the temperature, and the data file path.

• Program Control: This section is where you choose options for the calibration program, like

running an n-test, manually warming up the converters, and so forth.

• Results: This section presents the ongoing results of the calibration at a particular frequency.

In addition to these sections, two more regions are shown on the front panel. The table

appearing just above the Results section is where you enter the frequencies of the calibration, and

where the results for each frequency are presented after the frequency finishes. The fields at the

top of the display allow you to enter the identification of the UUT and the standard. Each of

these fields and front panel regions will be discussed further below.

Starting the Calibration Software

Before you can enter the test parameters into the calibration program, the Current System VI

must be running. The Current Calibration VI loads in RUN mode, so that it is running when it

opens. However, after a calibration is complete, the VI may be rerun without starting it from the

Current System Startup.vi icon. To start the calibration VI, simply click on the RUN button in the

LabVIEW menu bar.

☛ Note: Do not confuse the LabVIEW RUN button with the green START button on the

Current System VI front panel. The RUN button starts execution of the VI. The START button

breaks the VI out of an idle loop and lets it proceed with the measurement sequence. Similarly,

the LabVIEW STOP button halts program execution but does not reset the voltage sources or

GPIB bus. The red STOP button on the VI front panel does reset the voltage sources and the

GPIB bus.

When the VI is run, the Results table, Previous Data arrays, and Present Data arrays are

cleared, and the date and current time are displayed in the System Status region. The test

information, test parameter, and DVM control fields, however, are not cleared, as it is sometimes

handy to keep this information from run to run. For example, if you a calibrating a current shunt

set, chances are that you will need to change only those parameters that change with current

range, like the serial number of the shunt, and not re-enter all of the test parameters again.
Running the Current VI - 3

Getting Help

You may get help at any time by clicking the box with the question mark at the right side of

the title banner. Clicking this button launches Adobe Acrobat Reader, and displays the

automated system documentation (this document). However, it is probably not a good idea to

request help while the system is making measurements, as this is likely to disrupt the timing.

Entering Information Into the Front Panel Fields

Press the TAB key to move the cursor to the Test ID field and enter the appropriate

information, perhaps the folder number of the calibration or a similar identifier. After you have

finished entering this information, press TAB again to complete the data entry and move the

cursor to the next field, the Test Information field. Enter information about the calibration into

this field.

Step through the fields displayed on the front panel, entering information for each field in

turn and terminating the data entry using the TAB key. The panel order for the front panel

controls and a description of the controls is shown in Table 1.

Table 1. Descriptions of the fields on the Current System VI front panel. The number indicates

the order in which the fields are entered using the TAB key.

Panel Order Field Type of information.

1 Test ID An identification for the calibration. Usually the

calibration folder number or similar information.

2 Test Information Information about the Unit Under Test. Usually the

type of UUT, its serial number, and customer.

3 Standard The identifier of the NIST standard. Something like

W20#12 or W250#4.

4 Applied Current (A) The applied current of the calibration, in amperes.

5 Standard Range (A) The current range of the standard TCC, in amperes.

6 Test Range (A) The current range of the UUT, in amperes.

7 Ms The value of M for the NIST standard.1

9 Ns The value of N for the NIST standard.

10 Mt The value of M for the UUT.

11 Nt The value of N for the UUT.

12 Switching Delay (s) The time delay between the relay switching and the

activation of the DVM filters, in seconds.

 1

 See Chapter 3 for a description of the N-test VI and an explanation of these parameters.
Running the Current VI - 4

Table 1. Descriptions of the fields on the Current System VI front panel. The number indicates

the order in which the fields are entered using the TAB key.

13 Filter Delay (s) The time delay between the activation of the DVM

filters and the beginning of data collection, in seconds

14 Balance Delay (s) The time delays used for the relay switching and

voltmeter filter activation when the system is

balancing the voltage sources.2

15 DVM

Readings/Trigger

The number of readings per trigger taken by the

DVMs monitoring the output of the TVCs. These

readings are averaged internally by the DVMs.

16 Amplifier GPIB

Address

The GPIB address of the transconductance amplifier

used in the calibration system.

17 Range The range of the transconductance amplifier

18 Input (V/FS) The voltage required for the full-scale current output

from the transconductance amplifier.

☛ Note: To help you avoid over-ranging the converters, the software compares the value of the

applied current you request to the current ranges of the standard and UUT, and, if the applied

current exceeds either of these ranges, the Applied Current control turns red and the system

beeps to get your attention. This alert condition is cleared when you enter current ranges for the

converters that are equal to or greater than the applied current. But when the Current System VI

is first loaded, all controls are set to 0; thus the applied current will exceed the current ranges of

the converters (since you enter the applied current first), and the alert condition will be activated.

Because LabVIEW recognizes the results summary table above the Results section as a table

rather than a control, you cannot use the TAB key to step into this field. Instead, click the cursor

in the first cell in the freq. column and enter the input signal frequency. If you do not add a unit

to the frequency, the software interprets the number to be in kilohertz (so that entering .02 sets

the frequency to 20 Hz, 10 sets it to 10 kHz, and so on). Alternatively, you can add the units

yourself. Advance to the next cell down in the freq. column by pressing the RETURN key.

When you have entered all test frequencies, terminate the final entry by pressing the ENTER key

on the numeric keypad, by clicking somewhere on the front panel, or by clicking on the

LabVIEW ENTER (√) button. If you wish to change the number of data points for a frequency,

double-click in the N column beside the frequency of interest. You may step down through the N

 2

 Using a shorter delay while the system is balancing the voltage sources can save some time.
Running the Current VI - 5

column by pressing the RETURN key. The other columns in the table are for data collected

during the measurement sequence, and you need not enter information into these columns.

Similarly, the Amplifier Type field is an enumerated list. Select the type of transconductance

amplifier by using the LabVIEW Operating Tool () to pull down the list of available current

sources. Release the mouse button to confirm your selection.

Entering the Response Characteristics for the Converters

To calculate the ac-dc difference of the thermal converters, the system needs to know how

the output of the converters changes in response to small changes in the input voltage or current.

This response characteristic is generally called n and is discussed at length later in the

documentation You can pass the value of n to the systems in several ways. The response

characteristics of the NIST standards have been compiled and may be entered directly into the

Ac-dc Difference VI as the values M and N (fields 9-12 in the Test Information Group of

controls). Alternatively, you may elect to measure the response characteristics of the converters

using the n-test procedure described in “Using the Test Option Sliders” section below, or run the

stand-alone n-test procedure described in chapter “The N-test VI”. Or if you don’t know the

characteristics for the NIST standard converter, you may leave the Ms and Ns fields blank and

the subVI STANDARD CORR will look up the M and N for you, provided the standard is defined in

the subVI.

Using the Test Option Sliders

In the Program Control section of the front panel is a set of six slider controls, which allow

you to set various options for the measurement sequence. The sliders are initially set to their

default values. To select an option, click on the desired slider with the LabVIEW Operating

Tool. The slider will switch from the default setting to the desired setting. A list of these sliders,

their default settings, and their functions follow:

Automatic Shutdown (ON): Normally the system is set to shut itself down after a calibration.

The GPIB bus is reset, the current removed from the converters, and the software left in its

power-on state. Occasionally you may wish to prevent the system from shutting down

following a calibration, perhaps to avoid cooling the converters. To prevent an automatic

shutdown, set this slider to OFF. After the measurement cycle finishes, the software is reset,

but the GPIB bus is not, so that current will still be supplied to the TCCs.
Running the Current VI - 6

Warning: A potential safety hazard may exist if you deselect the automatic shutdown

feature. You should be aware that current will still be supplied to the TCCs after the program has

stopped, and take steps to ensure that this does not create a hazard for you or anyone else in the

laboratory. It is strongly suggested that you use the automatic shutdown feature.

Automatic Warmup (ON): The software will calculate a warmup time for the TCCs based on the

applied current. The warmup time for each current is shown in Table 2. If you wish to select a

different warmup time, click on the slider. The slider will be replaced with a LabVIEW control.

Click in the control, and enter the desired warmup time in minutes. Terminate the entry by

pressing the ENTER key.

Table 2. Default warmup times for various applied currents.

Applied Current (A) Automatic Warmup (m)

0-1 5

2-5 15

6-10 30

11-100 45

Automatic N-Test (OFF): In order to calibrate a TCC, the system needs to know how the

output of the TCC changes in response to small changes in the input current. This response is

governed by the equation

E kI n = (2)

where E is the TCC output, I is the input current, k is a constant and n is the response

characteristic of the TCC, and is the quantity we need to know. To find n, one can either use

the stand-alone n-test routine or choose the AUTOMATIC N-TEST option slider to run the

single-current n-test. This subVI determines n at the presently applied current. The details of

this subVI are found later in this section.

☛ Note: A general guideline is to use the stand-alone n-test for thermal converter sets which

have multiple TEs, and the single-current n-test for single TEs.

• Add Note (OFF): Occasionally you may wish to describe the measurement conditions in

more detail than the Test Information field has room for. Clicking on this slider opens a

window, where you may enter up to five lines of text, which are appended to the results

sheet. A detailed description of this utility is found later in this section.
Running the Current VI - 7

• Chk. Standard (OFF): Click on this slider to measure a check standard simultaneously with

the UUT. After you click this slider to ON, LabVIEW opens a window into which you enter

information about the check standard and the file to which you wish to save its results. The

details are found later in this section.

Function: This slider is initially set by the Start Current System.vi routine to be in the current

position. If you run the Ac-dc Difference VI again with the slider in this position, the front panel

defaults to the current calibration mode. However, if you use the LabVIEW Selection Tool to set

the slider to the voltage position, the front panel will run in the voltage calibration mode when

you click the LabVIEW RUN button.

Changing the Nanovoltmeter Parameters

The nanovoltmeters used as detectors for the thermoelement outputs are set to internally

average multiple readings when triggered. The number of readings to be averaged is displayed in

the DVM Readings/Trigger control. This parameter is generally set to 24 for Keithley Model 182

nanovoltmeters and 12 for Hewlett Packard Model 34420A voltmeters3

. To change this

parameter, double click on the control and enter the desired number of readings, or use the

Operating Tool to click on the up/down arrows beside the control field. The nanovoltmeters are

triggered following two separate delays. Switching Delay is the time (in seconds) the system

waits between switching from ac to dc (or vice versa) and the activation of the nanovoltmeter

filters. Filter Delay is the time (also in seconds) the system waits for the filter output to settle

before beginning data collection. To change either of these parameters, either double-click in the

desired field and enter the delay, or click on the up or down arrows with the Operating Tool.

The GPIB Bus Status Cluster

Rather than explicitly define the types and addresses of each instrument on the GPIB bus in

the program code, this information is disseminated throughout the program via a LabVIEW

cluster of enumerated lists. Each instrument definition box is a list of the instruments presently

supported by the Ac-dc Difference system. The address of the associated instrument appears in

an integer control beside the list box. This arrangement gives you much more flexibility in

choosing the instruments for the calibration system, as you can change instruments without

changing the source code.

You may need to modify the GPIB bus definitions. To change the defined instrument, you

first need to select the Operating Tool from the LabVIEW Tools palette. The Operating Tool is

the one that looks like a hand with its index finger raised () and you can select this tool by

 3

 The difference in readings is due to the longer integration times for the Hewlett Packard meters.
Running the Current VI - 8

either pressing the TAB key until it appears, or by pressing the COMMAND () key while

simultaneously depressing the mouse button. Once you select this tool, you can see a list of the

defined instruments in each enumerated box by positioning the Operating Tool over the list box

and depressing the mouse button. A list of instruments defined for use with the present software

version will be presented, and you may select a different instrument by positioning the hand over

the desired instrument and releasing the mouse button. Change the GPIB address, if you need to,

by either clicking on the up and down arrows to change the displayed address, or by doubleclicking on the address to highlight the text, then typing in the correct address and pressing the

ENTER key to terminate the data entry.

☛ Note: Because the GPIB cluster is initialized in the first frame of the LabVIEW software,

you MUST set the GPIB instruments and their addresses BEFORE clicking on the green START

button.

Setting the Measurement Uncertainties

Immediately beneath the response characteristic fields for the test and standards thermal

converters is an enumerated list that specifies the uncertainties to used for the measurement. For

thermal current converter calibrations this is automatically set to the data file used for current

calibrations. Should you need to change this option, use the LabVIEW Operating tool to select

the uncertainty data file to use.

Starting the Measurement Sequence

Once you have entered all the appropriate test parameters, click on the green START button

on the front panel. The button turns a brighter green and begins to flash to indicate that the

system is running, and LabVIEW begins to initialize the GPIB bus. The instruments defined in

the GPIB Bus Status cluster are cleared, and the voltage sources initialized to the proper values

and turned on. It is a good idea to watch the voltage displayed on the ac and dc voltmeters to

ensure that the sources are functioning correctly and supplying the proper voltages to the

transconductance amplifier. Once you are sure that the proper current is being supplied,

manually set the amplifier range to the appropriate value and then set the system output on/off

switch to ON.4 You may monitor the output emfs of the TCCs as they come up by observing the

nanovoltmeter readings.

 4

 On Automated Systems I and II, the output on/off switch is on the front of the relay panel. On Systems III and IV,

it is on a dedicated switch box located between the ac-dc relay and the GR 874 Tee.
Running the Current VI - 9

☛ Note: To ensure that the ac-dc differences are calculated properly, the software automatically

takes the absolute value of the output emfs shown on the nanovoltmeters. The signs of the

thermal converter outputs are irrelevant to the calculations and may be positive or negative.

If you have chosen the automatic warm-up option, the software will calculate a warm-up

period based on the applied current. The time until the start of data collection is displayed in the

System Status section, counting down from the chosen warm-up time. If the automatic warm-up

option is not selected, the warm-up time will be that defined in the control displayed when you

disabled the automatic warm-up feature.

You may override the automatic warm-up by clicking on the yellow button marked

CONTINUE. Clicking this button breaks the system out of warm-up mode, and it proceeds to the

measurement sequence. The button remains a brighter yellow to remind you that the thermal

converters did not have a full warm-up, just in case the results are poor.

After the desired warmup time has elapsed, the system will read the initial emf of the thermal

converters. Upon reading these emfs, the system calculates the sensitivity, K (K = nE ), and

displays the emf and K for each converter in the appropriate cells in the Present Data section.

The Measurement Sequence

The measurement sequence begins with the first dc point. Dc has been applied from the

beginning, of course, so all the system does for the first point is to call the READ DVM subVI to

read the detectors. You will notice that a round yellow LED indicator is displayed on the front

panel beside the first Dc: box. This indicator signifies the type of applied current (note the plus

sign in the LED, indicating the positive polarity), and will cycle through the dc, ac, dc sequence

as the applied current is changed. After waiting for the filters to settle, the nanovoltmeters are

read, and the output emfs of the converters are formatted and displayed in the initial Dc: boxes.

The relays are then switched to the ac position, to apply alternating current to the converters.

Simultaneously, the yellow LED indicator on the front panel moves to the ac position, and the

system begins a waiting period for the converters to stabilize after the relay switch. The

remaining time for this delay is displayed in the System Status block. After the initial wait, the

nanovoltmeter filters are activated, and a second wait permits the filtered readings to settle. The

emfs are then read and displayed in the Ac: box on the front panel, and the relays are switched to

the dc position.

While the relays are in the ac position, the polarity of the dc source is reversed, so that the

converters are measured with both polarities of dc applied. Note that the yellow LED now has a

minus sign superimposed on it. After waiting for the converters to settle as before, the second dc

readings are collected from the nanovoltmeters. The ac-dc difference and dc reversal error for

each channel are displayed inside the δ: and R: boxes, and the uncorrected ac-dc difference for

the unit under test is calculated and displayed in the topmost box of the Previous δ column. The
Running the Current VI - 10

calculated (uncorrected) ac-dc difference of UUT is displayed as a yellow point on the graph

displayed in the Results section.

If the ac-dc difference of the standard channel is less than 150 × 10-6, then the ac and dc

sources are balanced well enough so that the imbalance in the sources will have a negligible

effect on the ac-dc difference. In this case, the system will discard the first data point collected to

deal with the Famous First Point Effect5

, and start another triad of measurements with dc.

Assuming that the supplies remain in balance, this next point is the first one kept as a

measurement point.

If, however, the ac-dc difference of the standard channel is greater than 50 × 10-6, the system

will trim the ac source to approximately balance the dc source, and the measurement sequence

will start over. The system will continue with this cycle until the supplies are in balance, and will

then go on to begin the calibration. The adjusted ac voltage will be displayed in the Ac (V):

indicator in the System Status block, and reflects how far from nominal the ac source is set to

balance the output of the dc source. A large and variable adjustment or an inability to balance the

supplies may indicate a failure in one of the voltage sources, or instability in the standard. Note

that, as the system attempts to balance the supplies, the system uses time shown in the Balance

Delay (s) field as both the delay for the switching and voltmeter filters. You can save some time

by setting this value to be smaller than the values shown in the Switching Delay and Filter Delay

fields.

As the calibration progresses, the uncorrected ac-dc differences are displayed in the

Previous δ column vector. Although in principle an infinite number (or at least 32 767) of points

may be taken, the monitor limits the visible length of this column vector to 15 points, and the

displayed length of the vector is set to the smaller of the number of points specified in the N

column of the Results table, or 15. If you wish to view data “below” the end of the column, use

the Operating Tool to either increment or decrement the array row index (the upper of the two

indices) or double click on the index and enter the row number of the cell you wish to see

displayed at the top of the column. You can keep track of which point is being measured by

noting the Point...of... display at the right side of the System Status block.

Once the N points have been measured, the subVI Chauvenet is called. This subVI uses

Chauvenet’s Criterion [22] to test the data against a normal distribution and to identify outliers.

Those points not meeting Chauvenet’s Criterion are discarded (up to a maximum determined by

the number of points measured) and the average and standard deviation of the mean of the

remaining data points calculated. This information is displayed in the appropriate cells in the

Results Table. The arrays are cleared and the ac source is set to the next frequency. After a brief

wait to let the system stabilize at the new frequency, the system goes on to measure the first

 5

 The Famous First Point Effect is an often-observed but unexplained phenomenon wherein the first data point

collected by the system far exceeds Chauvenet’s Criterion for acceptance of the data. It is dealt with here by simply

always ignoring the first data point.
Running the Current VI - 11

point at the new frequency. The results of the measurements at the just-completed frequency are

passed to the subVI PRINTER UTILITY, which puts the information in a presentable format, and

sends it to the print queue. Because LabVIEW has the dominant priority for system resources in

order to keep the measurement timing consistent, the hardcopy will be printed only after all N

measurements have been completed. In addition, PRINTER UTILITY writes out the results to a data

file, for future reference.

If the automatic shutdown option has been selected, after all the frequencies have been

measured the GPIB bus is cleared and the outputs of the voltage sources turned off, all relays are

returned to their default positions, and the print queue is freed up to print the results of all the

frequencies you specified. If Automatic Shutdown has been disabled, the system is left in its

operational state, with the supplies set to deliver voltage and relays in the dc position. Since

LabVIEW is not actively operating the system, however, the print queue is free to print the test

results. An explanation of the data files may be found in Appendix D. The green START button

is left in its ON state to remind you that the system has indeed been operating.

At any point in the measurement sequence, if you wish to stop the system, you may either

pause the system or click on the red STOP button6

. Clicking on this button immediately removes

the voltage or current from the converters, clears the GPIB bus and halts processing, leaving the

system in its power-on mode. To pause the system, click on the LabVIEW PAUSE button on the

menu at the top of the LabVIEW window. This halts the system operation at the DATE AND TIME

utility, but leaves the sources in their operate modes. Pausing the system also changes the display

to the wiring diagram of the ac-dc difference VI. To display the front panel, press the command

key () in unison with E or select the Show Panel option in the LabVIEW WINDOWS menu.

To continue with the measurements, click on the LabVIEW PAUSE button again.

The Two-Channel N-test VI

The automated system software lets you measure the response characteristic of a thermal

converter in two ways. A separate, stand-alone VI (N-test) measures the n of one thermoelement

at a variety of input currents, and then performs a linear regression on the data. The resulting

coefficients of the regression (M and N) may then be used to calculate n for any output emf for

the TCC. This VI comes in handy when you are calibrating a TCC set wherein a single TE is

used with several shunts to create multiple current ranges.

If you have only one TE operating at a single input level, you may elect to run a two-channel

n-test by setting the AUTOMATIC N-TEST slider in the Test Options section to ON. The twochannel n-test VI front panel (Figure 3) will be presented. The test information you entered into

the main Ac-dc Difference VI front panel will be preserved and displayed in the appropriate

fields in the N-TEST subVI.

 6

 Pressing the ESC key on the keyboard has the same effect as clicking on the STOP button.
Running the Current VI - 12

Figure 3. The two-channel n-test front panel.

The N-TEST subVI is called and executed automatically with no intervention on your part. At

the end of the n-test measurement, the ns of both the standard and test TVCs will be returned to

the calling VI, and the ac-dc calibration sequence will resume with the application of the first dc

current. If, however, you need to halt the n-test routine before it terminates, click on the red

STOP button7 on the n-test front panel. The GPIB bus will be reset and current removed from the

thermal converters.

☛ Note: The ns for the standard and test converters are displayed in the Std. n: and Test n:

indicators in the System Status block of the front panel, but the n-test front panel is immediately

closed and the ac-dc difference front panel reactivated, so you will probably never see these

numbers. Since the results of the n-test are returned directly to the ac-dc difference routine, no

hardcopy is produced. However; if there is a problem in the continuation of the ac-dc difference

VI, you may view these values by re-launching N-test (2-channel). The last values of n for both

converters will be displayed in the System Status block.

For a more complete description of the mechanics of the n-test VIs, see the section on the ntest VI later in the documentation.

 7

 Again, pressing the ESC key has the same effect as clicking on the STOP button.
Running the Current VI - 13

Using the Note Utility

Occasionally, you might need to preserve more information about a measurement than the

Test Information field allows. To create a note, click on the ADD NOTE slider in the Test Option

section. A new window, shown in Figure 4, is presented.

Figure 4. The window displayed after you select the Add Note option.

To enter the note, click in the large text field. Enter the annotation. The note can be as long as

there is room in the field. When you are finished, click on ACCEPT NOTE to accept the note.

Click on RESET NOTE to clear the field and start over. Make any editorial changes in the note

by positioning the cursor at the desired position in the annotation and clicking the mouse button.

After you click on ACCEPT NOTE, the window disappears, leaving the Ac-dc Difference

front panel visible. The annotation will appear at the bottom of the printed data sheet.

Measuring a Check Standard

Since current converters are measured in series rather than in parallel as are voltage

converters, measuring a check standard simultaneously with the UUT is difficult and is not

routinely done. For this reason, no provision for measuring a check standard is included in the

software for current converter calibrations.

Security

Strictly speaking, the data collected by the automated systems on customer’s instruments is

proprietary information and owned by the customer. In the strictest sense, no one but the NIST

personnel directly involved with the calibration should be able to view the data. To prevent

display of data, select the Operating Tool and click in the lower right corner of the System Status

area. The Results table, Previous δ vector, Present Data display and graph are all set to be not

visible. Clicking on the lower right corner again renders these indicators visible.
Running the N-Test VI - 1

The N-test VI

Introduction

Changes in the output emf of a thermal converter are related to changes in the input signal by

the relation

E kI n = (1)

where E is the output emf, k is a constant, I is the applied current and n is the response

characteristic. Since thermal converters are root-mean-square responding instruments, the output

of a perfect thermal converter will have a square-law response to changes at its input, and n will

be equal to 2. Multijunction thermal converters do exhibit this square-law response, but single

junction thermal converters rarely have perfect square-law responses. For these devices, n may

vary between about 1.6 and 2.0, depending on the amplitude of the input signal. Since ac-dc

difference measurements depend on observing the change in output as the signal is switched

between ac and dc, the response characteristic, n, must be known before an instrument can be

calibrated.

This quantity is most easily measured by observing the change in the output emf as small

changes are made in the input voltage or current. n can then be calculated using the equation

n

I E

E I = ∆∆ (2)

where: n is the response characteristic,

I is the input current,

E is the output emf,

∆E is the change in the output emf produced by a change, ∆I, in the input current.

In practice, n is determined by recording the output emf (E) at some input level (I), then

increasing the input voltage or current (∆I) by a small step and recording the change in the

output emf (∆E). The results of this test may then be used in (2) to determine the response.

The voltage and current VIs used for measuring ac-dc difference have a built-in n-test feature

that will determine the response characteristic at the presently applied voltage or current. Using

this built-in n-test is advantageous when the responses of both the test and standard are required,

when a small number of measurements are needed, or when separate TEs are used with each

current or voltage range to be measured. See the instructions for operating the Ac-dc Difference

Calibration VI for more details on this n-test mode. For those cases when one TE is used with

multiple resistors or shunts, or when a TE is to be used at various input levels, a more efficient
Running the N-Test VI - 2

practice is to measure n at several input levels and use a linear regression analysis to fit a line to

the resulting data. Then, using the slope and intercept of this line, you can determine n at any

output level.

☛ Note: Since you will usually be measuring the response characteristics of voltage converters

(either TVCs or thermoelements used with shunts), the N-test VI defaults to voltage mode. To

measure the response for a high-current thermoelement, use the N-test VI with a

transconductance amplifier, setting the input voltage to the proper value to generate the required

current.

Running the n-test VI

The VI that measures the ns at various levels is called N-test. To launch the n-test program,

double-click on the N-test alias. This action starts LabVIEW and loads the main n-test VI and

several assorted subVIs. After the n-test VI is loaded, you will see the n-test front panel, as

shown in Figure 1. The sections below describe the front panel controls and indicators.

Figure 1. The n-test VI front panel.

?
Running the N-Test VI - 3

The GPIB Bus Status Cluster

Rather than explicitly define the types and addresses of each instrument on the GPIB bus in

the program code, this information is disseminated throughout the program via a LabVIEW

cluster of enumerated lists. Each instrument definition box is a list of the instruments presently

supported by the Ac-dc Difference system. The address of the associated instrument appears in

an integer control beside the list box. This arrangement gives you much more flexibility in

choosing the instruments for the calibration system, as you can change instruments without

changing the source code.

You may need to alter the structure of the GPIB bus before starting the n-test program,

perhaps to change the dc source or the address of an instrument.

To change a previously-defined instrument, you first need to select the Operating Tool from

the LabVIEW Tools palette. The Operating Tool is the one that looks like a hand with a raised

index finger () and you can select this tool by either pressing the TAB key until it appears, or by

pressing the COMMAND () key while simultaneously depressing the mouse button. Once you

select this tool, you can see a list of the defined instruments in each list by positioning the

Operating Tool over the list box and depressing the mouse button. A list of instruments defined

for use with the present software version will be presented, and you may select a different

instrument by positioning the hand over the desired instrument and releasing the mouse button.

Change the GPIB address, if you need to, by either clicking on the up and down arrows to

change the displayed address, or double-click on the address to highlight the contents. Change

the address by typing in the correct address and pressing the ENTER key to terminate the data

entry.

☛ Note: Because the GPIB cluster is initialized in the first frame of the LabVIEW software, you

MUST set the GPIB instruments and their addresses BEFORE clicking on the green START

button.

Starting the N-test Software

Before you can enter the test parameters into the calibration program, the n-test VI must be

running. Click on the RUN button in the LabVIEW menu bar to run the VI.

☛ Note: Do not confuse the LabVIEW RUN button with the green START button on the n-test

VI front panel. The RUN button starts execution of the VI. The START button breaks the VI out

of an idle loop and lets it proceed with the measurement sequence. Similarly, the LabVIEW

STOP button halts program execution but does not reset the voltage sources or GPIB bus. The

red STOP button on the VI front panel does reset the voltage sources and the GPIB bus.
Running the N-Test VI - 4

After you click on the RUN button, the Previous Data arrays, and Present Data arrays are

cleared, as are the test information fields, and the current date and time displayed in the System

Status section.

Getting Help

You may get help at any time by clicking the box with the question mark at the right side of

the title banner. Clicking this button launches Adobe Acrobat Reader, and displays the

automated system documentation (this document). However, it is probably not a good idea to

request help while the system is running, as this is likely to disrupt the timing.

Entering Information Into the Front Panel Fields

Press the TAB key to move the cursor to the Test ID field, and enter the appropriate

information, which might be the folder number of the calibration or a similar identifier. After

you have finished entering this information, press TAB again to complete the data entry and step

the cursor to the next field, the Test Information field. Enter information about the calibration

into this field.

Step through the fields in the Test Information section of the front panel, entering

information for each field in turn and terminating the data entry using the TAB key. The panel

order for the front panel controls and a description of the controls is shown in Table 1.

Table 1. Description of the fields in the Test Information section of the n-test VI front panel,

along with the panel order for the TAB key.

Panel Order Field Type of information.

1 Test ID An identification for the calibration. Usually the

calibration folder number or similar information.

2 Test Information Information about the Unit Under Test. Usually the

type of UUT, its serial number, and customer.

3 Starting Voltage (V) The initial voltage for the n-test.

4 Final Voltage (V) The highest voltage to be applied during the n-test.

5 Voltage Increment (%) The small incremental voltage to be applied to the

TVC during the n-test. Default value is 0.01% of the

presently applied voltage.
Running the N-Test VI - 5

Table 1. Description of the fields in the Test Information section of the n-test VI front panel,

along with the panel order for the TAB key.

6 Voltage Step (V) The step between applied voltages. The default value

is 5 V.

7 Switching Delay (s) The delay between the setting of the dc source and the

activation of the DVM filters.

8 Filter Delay (s) The delay between the activation of the DVM filters

and the commencement of data collection.

Controlling the VI

Two buttons control the execution of the calibration program. Clicking the green START

button breaks the n-test VI out of an idle loop and starts the measurement sequence. The red

STOP button stops program execution and resets the GPIB bus.

☛ Note: The escape key (ESC) on the keyboard will also stop program execution and reset the

GPIB bus. It acts as though you clicked on the red STOP button. Either method may be used to

halt the program and reset the voltage sources at any time during program execution.

How the VI runs

After entering the information in the fields described above, click on the green START

button to begin the n-test. The dc supply will be set to the initial baseline voltage, and this

voltage is applied to the thermal converter. The system then waits for five minutes for the output

of the converter to settle1 before triggering the voltmeter to take the first set of readings, which is

displayed in the Ei column of the Present Data array. After the readings are complete, the voltage

increment is added to the baseline voltage, this new voltage is applied to the thermal converter,

and the system waits for the converter output to stabilize. A second set of readings is taken and

displayed in the E+∆E column, after which the dc supply is reset to the baseline voltage. After

waiting for the converter to settle, a third set of readings is taken and displayed in the Ef column.

The time the system waits for the converter to settle is the sum of the switching and filter delays

as defined on the n-test VI front panel.

The difference in thermoelement output between the application of the baseline voltage and

the voltage step, along with the values of the baseline voltage and voltage step, are inserted into

(2) to calculate n for the baseline voltage. Four more determinations of n are made, and the

 1

 Although the ac-dc difference of some thermal converters may still be drifting after only five minutes warm-up, the

response characteristic of the thermoelement will not change significantly during the n-test procedure.
Running the N-Test VI - 6

average n and standard deviation of the five determinations are calculated and displayed along

with the baseline voltage and output emf in the Previous Data section of the display.

The baseline voltage is increased by the value of the voltage step, and the dc supply set to the

new voltage. After a brief wait to let the converter output stabilize, the procedure described

above is repeated at the new baseline voltage.

The system proceeds in this manner until the n at the highest desired voltage has been

calculated, and the information for the final voltage displayed on the front panel. A linear fit to

the n versus output emf data is performed, and the slope and intercept of the resulting line

displayed along with a plot of the n versus emf data displayed. The calculated slope (N) and

intercept (M)2 of the regression are displayed to the right of the n-test plot. You may then use

these values in the Ac-dc Difference calibration VI to enter the response characteristics of the

thermal converter.

After the final n has been calculated and the linear fit completed, the test information will be

printed for archival purposes. The resulting archival hardcopy is shown in Figure 2. If the

AUTOMATIC SHUTDOWN slider is in the ON position, the GPIB bus will be reset and the

program halted. If automatic shutdown is not selected, however, the program will halt, leaving

the final baseline voltage on the dc source, and applied to the thermal converter.

Warning: It is strongly recommended that you select the automatic shutdown option. If

you do not choose the automatic shutdown option, potentially lethal voltages may remain on the

output leads and at the input to the thermal converters after the program halts.

The N-test Archival Output

An example of the hardcopy you get from the n-test VI is shown in Figure 2. Table 2

presents a description of the front panel to the n-test report VI (“N-test Report”). Following the

completion of the n-test VI, the data gathered during the measurement sequence is passed to the

subVI N-TEST REPORT, where the data is displayed in front-panel indicators. LabVIEW prints

this front panel to provide an archival record of the n-test.

Table 2. Objects on the N-Test Report front panel and on the archival hardcopy.

Field Type of information.

Test ID An identification for the calibration. Usually the calibration folder number

or similar information.

Date The date of the n-test report.

Time of Report The time of day the report was printed.

 2

 The use of the letters M and N for the regression coefficients is historical. They should not be confused with the

response characteristic (n) of the TE.
Running the N-Test VI - 7

Table 2. Objects on the N-Test Report front panel and on the archival hardcopy.

Test Information The information you entered into the TEST INFORMATION field.

N-test Data The data from the n-test. The columns in the real array indicator are:

V: The baseline voltage for each point.

emf: The output emf at the voltage V.

n: The average calculated n at the voltage V.

s: The standard deviation of the five determinations of n at voltage V.

M The n-axis intercept of the equation fit to the n-vs.-emf data

N The slope of the n-vs.-emf line.

n-vs-emf Graph A plot of the n versus output emf for each baseline voltage.

Figure 2. The N-test Report VI front panel. This is the archival record of the n-test.
A - 1

Appendix A: The SubVIs

Introduction to Appendix A

This appendix presents an alphabetical list of the subVIs used by the voltage and current

calibration software. The listing for each subVI includes a brief description of its function and

use, the connection diagram, and the arrangement of the front panel. Following this description,

information regarding the function of each front panel icon is presented. The information is

arranged as follows:

Name of icon: The name of the front panel icon.

Label: The label of the icon. Occasionally, icons on VI front panels will have labels different

than their names.

Type: The data type of the icon. Data types include real, integer, and string. Each data type

may be included in vectors (one-dimensional arrays), multi-dimensional arrays,

clusters of data types, enumerated lists, and data rings.

Direction: The direction of the information flow to the icon. The possible directions are:

inbound (data passed to the subVI), outbound (data passed from the subVI to the

calling VI), and internal (data used only within the subVI).

Visible on front panel: Yes or no, depending on if the icon is visible on the front panel.

Description: A description of the icon’s function.

Although not a subVI, the last entry in Appendix A, Datron Local is a useful utility, and is

included for completeness. In addition, a description of the Help Facility utility is included.
A - 2

Calculate Uncertainties

CALCULATE UNCERTAINTIES calculates the root-sum-square (RSS) uncertainties from the standard

deviation of the data collected from the measurement sequence and the (already-measured)

Type B components of the uncertainty for a particular type of converter and one voltage and

frequency. The Type B uncertainties for each type of standard are listed in tables; the appropriate

table is read into the subVI, and the appropriate Type B uncertainty component combined with the

standard deviation to calculate an uncertainty (with coverage factor 2) of the measurement.

Connector Pane

Front Panel

Voltage:

Label: Voltage

Type: Real control

Direction: Inbound

Visible on from panel: Yes

The applied voltage at which to calculate

the uncertainty.

Frequency:

Label: Frequency

Type: Real control

Direction: Inbound

Visible on front panel: yes

The applied frequency at which to

calculate the uncertainty.

Sigma:

Label: Sigma

Type: Real control

Direction: Inbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

The calculated standard deviation of the

measurement.

TVC Type:

Label: TVC Type

Type: Enumerated list

Direction: Inbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

The type of TVC being measured.

Uncertainty:

Label: Uncertainty

Type: Real indicator

Direction: Outbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

The expanded uncertainty of the

measurement.

Unc. File:

Label: Unc. File

Type String control

Direction: Inbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

The data file containing the Type B

uncertainty components for the type of

TVC at the presently applied voltage and

frequency.
A - 3

CH8100

CH8100 is used to control a Clarke-Hess Model 8100A transconductance amplifier, and returns the

compliance voltage delivered by the amplifier.

Connector Pane

Front Panel

Amplifier Type:

Label: Amplifier Type

Type: Enumerated List

Direction: Inbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

The type of amplifier to control. It’s a moot point

since it’ll be a Clarke-Hess 8100A, but we need

to specify the amplifier for the internal workings

of the subVI.

GPIB Address:

Label: GPIB Address

Type: Integer control

Direction: Inbound

Visible on Front Panel: Yes

The GPIB address of the amplifier.

Compliance (V):

Label: Compliance (V)

Type: Real indicator

Direction: Outbound

Visible on Front Panel: Yes

The compliance voltage read from the amplifier.
A - 4

Chauvenet

CHAUVENET checks the data collected from a calibration against a normal distribution and discards points

which are outside the 95 % confidence interval of the distribution. The maximum number of discarded

points depends upon the number of points specified in the calibration (up to a maximum of 6).

Connector Pane

Front Panel

Input array:

Label: Input array

Type: Real vector

Direction: Inbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

The measurement data to be tested for

outliers.

Output array:

Label: Output array

Type: Real array

Direction: outbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

The measurement data, minus the

outliers.

Flag:

Label: Flag:

Type: String array

Direction: Outbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

Array used to mark outliers.

Mean:

Label: Mean

Type: Real indicator

Direction: Outbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

The mean of the remaining data.

Sigma:

Label: Sigma

Type: Real indicator

Direction: Outbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

The standard deviation of the remaining

data points.

Rejects:

Label: Rejects

Type: Integer indicator

Direction: Outbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

The number of data points rejected.

Reject flag:

Label: Reject flag

Type: Boolean indicator

Direction: Internal

Visible on front panel: Yes

Indicates a rejected point. Not used.
A - 5

Check Std. Info

This subroutine lets the user specify a check standard to be measured simultaneously with the UUT. The

subVI opens an appropriate data file to write the measurement information to, and returns the check

standard parameters to the calling program. With the exception of the check standard data file path, all

the parameters are bundled into the cluster Check Standard Out.

Connector Pane

Front Panel

Check Standard ID:

Label: Check Standard ID

Type: String control

Direction: Internal

Visible on front panel: Yes

The information for the check standard.

Check Standard Range:

Label: Check Standard Range

Type: Real control

Direction: Internal

Visible on front panel: Yes

The voltage range of the check standard.

Mchk:

Label: Mchk:

Type: Real control

Direction: Internal

Visible on front panel: Yes

The M of the check standard.

Nchk:

Label: Nchk:

Type: Real control

Direction: Internal

Visible on front panel: Yes

The N of the check standard.

Check Std. DVM:

Label: Check Std. DVM

Type: Enumerated list

Direction: Internal

Visible on front panel: Yes

Enumerated list containing the voltmeter

types available for use with a check

standard.

Check DVM address:

Label: None

Type: Integer control

Direction: Internal

Visible on front panel: Yes

The address of the check standard DVM.

Check Standard Data File:

Label: Check Standard Data File

Type: File path

Direction: Outbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

The file path for the data file created by

the subVI.
A - 6
A - 7

Clear System

CLEAR SYSTEM resets the defined GPIB-based instruments to their power-on state, places the ac-dc relay

in its normally closed position, and halts execution of the ac-dc difference program.

Connector Pane

Front Panel

GPIB Bus Status:

Label: GPIB Bus Status

Type: Cluster of enumerated lists.

Direction: Inbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

The Instrument lists define various

instrument types appropriate for that

function. The address lists are used to set

the GPIB bus addresses of the instrument.

Check Standard in

Label: Check Standard in

Type: Cluster of strings

Direction: Inbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

In particular, passes information about the

DVM monitoring the check standard to the

subVI.
A - 8

Date and Time

Returns the present system date and time.

Connector Pane

Front Panel

Date and Time:

Label: Date and Time

Type: String indicator

Direction: Outbound

Visible on front panel: No

Returns the present system date and time

Date and Time
A - 9

Initialize System

INITIALIZE SYSTEM does the following:

> Sets the IEEE-488 instruments defined in GPIB BUS STATUS to their power-on state

> Sets the output voltage on the supplies and puts them in their operate mode

> Checks the output of the sources to see that it is nominally the proper output

> Closes the appropriate relays to supply voltage to the converters.

Connector Pane

Front Panel

GPIB Bus Status:

Label: GPIB Bus Status

Type: Cluster of enumerated lists.

Direction: Inbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

Defines various instrument types and sets

the GPIB bus addresses of the

instruments

Voltage:

Label: Voltage

Type: Real control.

Direction: Inbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

Passes the requested output voltage from

the calling VI.

Mode:

Label: Mode

Type: String Control

Direction: Inbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

Determines whether a calibration

(requiring an ac source) or an n-test (dc

source only) is being done.

Check Standard in:

Label: Check Standard in

Type: Cluster of strings

Direction: Inbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

Passes information about the check

standard DVM to the subVI.
A - 10

N-Test

This VI measures the n of a thermal converter at applied voltages defined by the user. The VI then fits a

straight line to the data, to calculate the M (intercept on the n – axis) and N (slope of n versus output emf)

for the converter.

Connector Pane

Front Panel

GPIB Bus Status:

Label: GPIB Bus Status

Type: Cluster of enumerated lists.

Direction: Inbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

The Instrument lists define various

instrument types appropriate for that

function. The address lists are used to set

the GPIB bus addresses of the instrument.

Starting Voltage (V):

Label: Starting Voltage (V)

Type: Real control

Direction: Inbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

The initial voltage for the n-test.

Final Voltage (V):

Label: Final Voltage (V)

Type: Real control

Direction: Inbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

The maximum voltage for the n-test.

Voltage Step (%)

Label: Voltage Step (%)

Type: Real control

Direction: Inbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

The voltage step added to the current

baseline voltage.

Voltage Increment (V):

Label: Voltage Increment (V)

Type: Real control

Direction: Inbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

The increment added to the

currently applied voltage to calculate the

next voltage. For the n-test, the voltages

are applied in the sequence Vcur=Vprev+VI,

where Vcur is the present applied voltage,

Vprev is the previously applied voltage and

VI is the voltage increment.

Automatic Shutdown:

Label: Automatic Shutdown

Type: Boolean control

Direction: Inbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

Boolean switch that determines if the

system should shut itself off after

completing the n-test (ON position) or if

the system should stop the VI but leave

the voltages set on the sources and

supplied to the converters.

Start:

Label: Start

Type: Boolean control

Direction: Inbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

Boolean switch that starts the n-test when

depressed.
A - 11

Scram

Label: Stop and Clear System

Type: Boolean control

Direction: Internal

Visible on front panel: Yes

Clicking on this button halts the n-test

routine and calls CLEAR SYSTEM to reset

the measurement system.

Present Data:

Label: Present Data

Type: Real Array

Direction: To display

Visible on front panel: Yes

Displays the data collected at the

presently applied voltage.

Applied Voltage (V):

Label: Applied Voltage (V):

Type: Real indicator

Direction: To display

Visible on front panel: Yes

Displays the presently applied voltage.

Output emf (mV):

Label: Output emf (mV)

Type: Real indicator

Direction: To display

Visible on front panel: Yes

Displays the output emf of the thermal

converter at the present voltage.

Previous Data:

Label: Previous Data:

Type: Real array

Direction: To display

Visible on front panel: Yes

Displays data from the previous applied

voltages. The data includes the applied

voltage (V), the output emf (emf), the n

calculated at that emf (n), and the

standard deviation of the n determination

(σ).

System Status:

Label: System Status

Type: String indicator

Direction: To display

Visible on front panel: Yes

Displays information messages during the

n-test measurements.

M:

Label: M

Type: Real indicator

Direction: Outbound to display

Visible on front panel: Yes

Displays the calculated x-axis intercept

(on the vertical or n axis) of the linear fit to

the n-test data.

N:

Label: N

Type: real indicator

Direction: Outbound to display

Visible on front panel: Yes

Displays the slope of the line fit to the ntest data.

n graph:

Label: n

Type: XY graph

Direction: To display

Visible on front panel: Upon completion of ntest.

After the n-test is complete, the n vs.

output data are displayed on this graph.

The graph is hidden by local variable

definition during the n-test itself.

Column Array 1:

Label: None

Type: Real vector

Direction: Internal

Visible on front panel: No

Collects the ∆E data for the standard

channel. Used to determine the average

∆E for the standard channel.

Time:

Label: Time

Type: String indicator

Direction: To display

Visible on front panel: No

Displays the present system date and

time.
A - 12
A - 13

N-test Report

Captures the data from a one-channel n-test, displays it on the front panel, and then prints the panel. It

then returns the processing to the calling VI.

Connector Pane

Front Panel

Min:

Label: Min

Type: Real control

Direction: Internal

Visible on front panel: No

A dummy control that just sets up the

indicator to display the calculated

standard M.

Nin:

Label: Nin

Type: Real control

Direction: Internal

Visible on front panel: No

A dummy control that just sets up the

indicator to display the calculated

standard N.

Parameters:

Label: Parameters

Type: Cluster

Direction: Inbound

Visible on front panel: No

Cluster which passes the following

parameters to N-TEST REPORT:

ID (String control)

Test Information (string control)

Passed data (2-dimensional real

array)

Points (Integer control)

M:

Label: M:

Type: Real indicator

Direction: To display

Visible on front panel: Yes

Displays the calculated standard M on the

front panel.

N:

Label: N

Type: Real indicator

Direction: To display

Visible on front panel: Yes

Displays the calculated standard n on the

front panel.

N-test Data:

Label: N-test Data

Type: 2-dimensional real array

Direction: To display

Visible on front panel: Yes

Displays the data from the n-test, including

the applied voltage (V), output emf at each

voltage (emf) the calculated n (n) and the

standard deviation of the calculated n (σ).

n:

Label: n

Type: XY graph

Direction: To display

Visible on front panel: Yes

Displays graphically the n vs. output data

from the n-test.

Date:

Label: Date

Type: String indicator

Direction: To display

Visible on front panel: Yes

Displays the present date.

Time of Report:

Label: Time of report

Type: String indicator

Direction: To display

Visible on front panel: Yes

Displays the present time.
A - 14
A - 15

N-Test (2 channel)

This subVI measures the n of both TVCs simultaneously at the present applied voltage.

Connector Pane:

Front Panel:

Test ID:

Label: Test ID

Type: String control

Direction: Inbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

The NIST test report number or other

appropriate identifier.

Test Instrument:

Label: Test Instrument

Type: String control

Direction: inbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

The user’s description of the unit under

test.

Applied Voltage (V):

Label: Applied Voltage (V)

Type: Real control

Direction: Inbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

The baseline voltage of the n test.

Voltage Step (%):

Label: Voltage Step (%)

Type: Real control

Direction: Inbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

The voltage step (in percent) between the

baseline voltage and the voltage

increment.

Present Applied DC Voltage:

Label: Present Applied DC Voltage (V)

Type: Real indicator

Direction: To display

Visible on front panel: Yes

The presently applied voltage, equal to the

baseline voltage plus the voltage step, if

one is applied.

Scram

Label: Stop and Clear System

Type: Boolean control

Direction: Internal

Visible on front panel: Yes

Clicking on this button halts the n-test

routine and calls CLEAR SYSTEM to reset

the measurement system.

GPIB Bus Status:

Label: GPIB Bus Status

Type: Cluster of enumerated lists.

Direction: Inbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

The instrument lists define various

instrument types appropriate for that

function. The address lists are used to set

the GPIB bus addresses of the instrument.

Standard Output:

Label: None

Type: Real indicator

Direction: To display

Visible on front panel: Yes

Displays the output emf of the standard

channel for the applied voltage.

Test Output:

Label: None

Type: Real indicator

Direction: To display

Visible on front panel: Yes

Displays the output emf of the test channel

for the applied voltage.
A - 16

Standard Channel:

Label: Standard Channel

Type: Two-dimensional real array

Direction: To display

Visible on front panel: Yes

Displays the data for the standard

channel. “Ei” and “Ef” are the initial and

final readings at the baseline voltage,

while “E+∆E” is the reading with the

voltage step applied. “∆E” is the difference

between the baseline voltage and the

baseline voltage with the step.

Test Channel:

Label: Test Channel

Type: Two-dimensional real array

Direction: To display

Visible on front panel: Yes

Displays the data for the test channel. “Ei”

and “Ef” are the initial and final readings at

the baseline voltage, while “E+∆E” is the

reading with the voltage step applied. “∆E”

is the difference between the baseline

voltage and the baseline voltage with the

step.

System Status:

Label: System Status

Type: String indicator

Direction: To display

Visible on front panel: Yes

Displays any status messages generated

by the system as well as the present date

and time.

Time:

Label: None

Type: String indicator

Direction: To display

Visible on front panel: Yes

Displays the time of day returned from the

date and time subVI.

Std. n:

Label: Std. n

Type: Real indicator

Direction: Outbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

Passes the calculated n for the standard

channel.

Test n:

Label: Test n

Type: Real indicator

Direction: Outbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

Passes the calculated n for the test

channel.

Column Array 1:

Label: None

Type: Real vector

Direction: Internal

Visible on front panel: No

Collects the ∆E data for the standard

channel. Used to determine the average

∆E for the standard channel.

Column Array 2:

Label: None

Type: Real vector

Direction: Internal

Visible on front panel: No

Collects the ∆E data for the test channel.

Used to determine the average ∆E for the

test channel.

Stop:

Label: None

Type: Integer control

Direction: Internal

Visible on front panel: No

Acts as a switch so that the system will

know whether to clear the GPIB bus

before stopping the VI (scram mode) or

not. For a normal n-test, Stop is set to 1,

and the n-test subVI stops itself when it’s

finished and returns processing to the

calling VI. When the STOP button is

clicked, Stop is still set to 0, so the GPIB

bus is reset, and LabVIEW closed.

Switching:

Label: Switching

Type: Integer indicator

Direction: To display

Visible on front panel: Yes

Displays the time, in seconds, between

the adjustment of the voltage source and

the activation of the DVM filters.
A - 17

Filter:

Label: Filter

Type: Integer indicator

Direction: To display

Visible on front panel: Yes

Displays the time between the

activation of the filters and the start

of data collection.
A - 18

Note Utility

NOTE UTILITY lets the operator append a note to the calibration data sheet. The note is appended below

the graph on the data sheet. Commands are provided to accept the note or reset the text. The note can

be edited in the usual manner.

Connector Pane

Front Panel

Notes in:

Label: None

Type: String control

Direction: Internal

Visible on front panel: Yes

This is the note the user adds to the data

sheet. It’s used only to get the text, but is

considered to be inbound by the subVI.

Notes out:

Label: None

Type: String indicator

Direction: Outbound

Visible on front panel: No

Returns the text of the note to the calling

VI.

Accept Note:

Label: Accept Note

Type: Boolean switch

Direction: Internal

Visible on front panel: Yes

Accepts the text of the note and

terminates the subVI.

Reset Note:

Label: reset Note

Type: Boolean switch

Direction: Internal

Visible on front panel: Yes

Clears out the note string control so the

operator can start over.
A - 19

Parse Standard

PARSE STANDARD is used to let the operator select the appropriate standard for a measurement. It selects

a set of possible standards based on the applied voltage, and presents this set of standards to the

operator in a pull-down ring menu.

Connector Pane

Front Panel

Standard Ring:

Label: Standard Ring

Type: Ring control

Direction: Internal

Visible on front panel: Yes

Used to present a list of standards

appropriate for the specified applied

voltage. The list is presented in a pulldown menu format.

Applied Voltage:

Label: Applied Voltage

Type: Real control

Direction: Inbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

Specifies the applied voltage of the

measurement. Used to select the set of

standards to display.

Standard:

Label: Standard

Type: String indicator

Direction: Outbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

Returns a string containing the name of

the standard to the calling VI.
A - 20

Printer Utility

This VI is called by AC-DC DIFFERENCE and displays the calibration data for a unit under test. The VI then

prints the panel as a permanent record of the calibration.

Connector Pane

Front Panel

Data File:

Label: File path

Type: File path

Direction: Inbound

Visible on front panel: No

The directory and file name of the data file

archiving the test information.

Frequencies:

Label: Frequencies

Type: Table

Direction: Inbound

Visible on front panel: No

The summary of the data collected during

the test. Includes frequencies, uncorrected

and corrected ac-dc differences, standard

corrections, standard deviations and

reversal errors. Corresponds to

“Frequencies” table in the VI Ac-dc

Difference.

Parameters:

Label: Parameters

Type: Cluster

Direction: Inbound

Visible on front panel: No

Cluster which passes the following

parameters to Printer Utility:

Test ID (String control)

Test Information (String control)

Standard (String control)

Applied Voltage (Real control)

Test Range (Real control)

Standard Range (Real control)

Voltage Drop (Real control)

Shutdown (Boolean switch)

Switching (Integer control)

Filter (integer control)

Post-switching:

Label: Post-switching

Type: Integer control

Direction: Inbound

Visible on front panel: No

The delay time between operation of the

ac-dc switch and activation of the DVM

filters.

Post-filter:

Label: Post-filter

Type: Integer control

Direction: Inbound

Visible on front panel: No

The delay time between activation of the

DVM filters and start of data collection.
A - 21

Standard:

Label: Standard

Type: Real vector

Direction: Inbound

Visible on front panel: No

The measurement information for the

standard thermal converter, specifically

the output emf and Ks.

Test:

Label: Test

Type: Real vector

Direction: Inbound

Visible on front panel: No

The measurement information for the test

thermal converter, specifically the output

emf and Kt.

Previous d:

Label: Previous d

Type: Two dimensional real array

Direction: Inbound

Visible on front panel: No

The data collected during the ac-dc

difference calibration, including the

uncorrected ac-dc difference of each

converter, dc reversal errors, uncorrected

and corrected ac-dc differences of the test

converter, the time and temperature of

each reading and the ac voltage settings.

Notes:

Label: Notes

Type: String control

Direction: Inbound

Visible on front panel: No, unless the operator

has entered a note using the Note Utility

A note to append to the data sheet, if one

is specified by the user.

System:

Label: System

Type: String control

Direction: Inbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

The NIST automated measurement

system used for the calibration.

Row:

Label: Row

Type: Integer control

Direction: Inbound

Visible on front panel: No

Specifies the row of the “Frequen-cies”

table the present data is in.

Time (m):

Label: Time (m)

Type: Real indicator

Direction: Inbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

The total elapsed time in minutes of the

calibration.

Temp: ( ̊C)

Label: Temp ( ̊C)

Type: Real indicator

Direction: Inbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

The ambient temperature in Celsius

N:

Label: N

Type: Integer vector

Direction: To display

Visible on front panel: Yes

Vector of point numbers from 0 to n-1

where n is the number of points in the

calibration.

δs:

Label: δs

Type: Real vector

Direction: To display

Visible on front panel: Yes

Column vector containing the ac-dc

differences of the standard channel TVC.

δt:

Label: δt

Type: Real vector

Direction: To display

Visible on front panel: Yes

Column vector containing the ac-dc

differences of the test channel TVC.

δ:

Label: δ

Type: Real vector

Direction: To display

Visible on front panel: Yes

Column vector containing the uncorrected

ac-dc differences of the unit under test.

Cs:

Label: Cs

Type: Real vector

Direction: To display

Visible on front panel: Yes

Column vector of NIST standard

corrections.
A - 22

∆:

Label: ∆

Type: Real vector

Direction: To display

Visible on front panel: Yes

Column vector containing the corrected

ac-dc differences of the unit under test.

Rs:

Label: Rs

Type: Real vector

Direction: To display

Visible on front panel: Yes

Column vector containing the dc reversal

differences of the standard TVC.

Rt:

Label: Rt

Type: Real vector

Direction: To display

Visible on front panel: Yes

Column vector containing the dc reversal

differences of the test TVC.

Time:

Label: Time

Type: String vector

Direction: To display

Visible on front panel: Yes

Column vector which displays the elapsed

time (in mm:ss format) of the calibration.

Temp:

Label: Temp.

Type: Real vector

Direction: To display

Visible on front panel: Yes

Column vector containing the temperature

in degrees Celsius at each point in the

calibration.

Ac (V):

Label: Ac (V)

Type: Real vector

Direction: To display

Visible on front panel: Yes

Column vector containing the ac voltage

settings at each point in the calibration.

Test ID;

Label: Test ID

Type: String indicator

Direction: To display

Visible on front panel: Yes

Displays the user-defined identifier of the

calibration.

Date:

Label: date

Type: String indicator

Direction: To display

Visible on front panel: Yes

Displays the date that the data sheet was

printed.

Time of Report:

Label: Time of Report

Type: String indicator

Direction: To display

Visible on front panel: Yes

Displays the time that the data sheet was

printed.

Test Information:

Label: Test Information

Type: String indicator

Direction: To display

Visible on front panel: Yes

Displays the user-defined test information.

Standard:

Label: Standard

Type: String indicator

Direction: To display

Visible on front panel: Yes

The identifier of the standard TVC.

Applied Voltage (V):

Label: Applied Voltage (V)

Type: Real indicator

Direction: To display

Visible on front panel: Yes

The applied voltage for the calibration.

Standard Range (V):

Label: Standard Range (V)

Type: Real indicator

Direction: To display

Visible on front panel: Yes

The range of the NIST standard converter.
A - 23

Test Range (V):

Label: Test Range (V)

Type: Real indicator

Direction: To display

Visible on front panel: Yes

The range of the unit under test.

Voltage Drop of Series Resistor (V):

Label: Voltage Drop of Series Resistor (V)

Type: Real indicator

Direction: To display

Visible on front panel: Yes

The voltage drop of a series resistor, if

one is used.

Post-Switch Delay (s):

Label: Post-Switch Delay (s)

Type: Integer indicator

Direction: To display

Visible on front panel: Yes

The delay in seconds between the

operation of the ac-dc relay and the

activation of the DVM filters.

Post-Filter Delay (s):

Label: Post-Filter Delay (s)

Type: Integer indicator

Direction: To display

Visible on front panel: Yes

The delay in seconds between the

activation of the DVM filters and the start

of data collection.

Es:

Label: Es

Type: Real indicator

Direction: To display

Visible on front panel: Yes

The output emf (in mV) of the standard.

Ks:

Label: Ks

Type: Real indicator

Direction: To display

Visible on front panel: Yes

The response, K, of the standard.

Et:

Label: Et

Type: Real indicator

Direction: To display

Visible on front panel: Yes

The output emf (in mV) of the unit under

test.

Kt:

Label: Kt

Type: Real indicator

Direction: To display

Visible on front panel: Yes

The response, K, of the unit under test.

Freq.:

Label: Freq.

Type: String indicator

Direction: To display

Visible on front panel: yes

The frequency of the calibration.

δ (μV/V):

Label: δ (μV/V)

Type: Real indicator

Direction: To display

Visible on front panel: Yes

The uncorrected ac-dc difference of the

unit under test.

Cs (μV/V):

Label: Cs (μV/V)

Type: Real indicator

Direction: To display

Visible on front panel: Yes

The correction to the NIST standard

converter.

∆ (μV/V):

Label: ∆ (μV/V)

Type: Real indicator

Direction: To display

Visible on front panel: Yes

The corrected ac-dc difference of the unit

under test.

σ (μV/V):

Label: σ (μV/V)

Type: Real indicator

Direction: To display

Visible on front panel: Yes

The standard deviation of the n

measurements at that particular voltage

and frequency.

Rs (μV/V):

Label: Rs (μV/V)

Type: Real indicator

Direction: To display

Visible on front panel: Yes

The dc reversal error of the standard TVC.
A - 24

Rt (μV/V):

Label: Rt (μV/V):

Type: Real indicator

Direction: To display

Visible on front panel: Yes

The dc reversal error of the test TVC.

D graph

Label: D graph

Type: XY graph

Direction: To display

Visible on front panel: Yes

Graph of the data taken during the

calibration.
A - 25

Read DVM

READ DVM reads the voltmeters used as detectors for the thermal converters. The user can set the delay

between filter activation and triggering, as well as the number of reading per trigger. As of this revision

(58) the subVI supports the Hewlett Packard 34420A, Hewlett Packard 3458A and Keithley 182.

Connector Pane

Front Panel

GPIB Bus Status:

Label: GPIB Bus Status

Type: Cluster of enumerated lists

Direction: Inbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

The instrument lists define various

instrument models appropriate for the

indicated function. The address lists are

used to set the GPIB addresses of the

associated instrument.

Delay:

Label: Delay

Type: Integer control

Direction: Inbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

Defines the delay time in seconds

between when the filters of the DVM are

activated and the DVM is triggered.

Readings/Trigger:

Label: Readings/Trigger

Type: Integer control

Direction: Inbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

Sets the number of readings taken at each

trigger event. The readings are averaged

internally.

Std. DVM Output:

Label: Std. DVM Output

Type: Real indicator

Direction: Outbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

Returns the output voltage of the standard

channel.

Test DVM Output:

Label: Test DVM Output

Type: Real indicator

Direction: Outbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

Returns the output voltage of the test

channel

Std. Buffer:

Label: Std. Buffer

Type: String indicator

Direction: Internal

Visible on front panel: No

Used to clear the output buffer of the

standard DVM before readings are

triggered.

Test Buffer:

Label: Test Buffer

Type: String indicator

Direction: Internal

Visible on front panel: No

Used to clear the output buffer of the test

DVM before readings are triggered.

Check Standard in:

Label: Check Standard in

Type Cluster of string controls

Direction: Inbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

Provides the type and address of the

check standard DVM.
A - 26
A - 27

Read Temperature

Gets the temperature from an external DVM with temperature probe.

Connector Pane

Front Panel

GPIB Bus Status:

Label: GPIB Bus Status

Type: Cluster of enumerated lists.

Direction: Inbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

The Instrument lists define various

instrument types appropriate for that

function. The address lists are used to set

the GPIB bus addresses of the instrument.

Temperature:

Label: Temperature

Type: Real indicator

Direction: Outbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

Returns the temperature read from the

DVM
A - 28

Relay Control

RELAY CONTROL operates the appropriate relay to switch the output voltage from ac to dc or vice-versa.

The subVI will recognize both internal and external relay types, and multiple controller types. It also

operates any LEDs necessary to indicate the type of voltage applied, and, if necessary, turns off the ac

source when the relay switches. This subVI is system specific.

Connector Pane

Front Panel

GPIB Bus Status:

Label: GPIB Bus status

Type: Cluster of enumerated lists.

Direction: Inbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

The Instrument lists define various

instrument types appropriate for that

function. The address lists are used to set

the GPIB bus addresses of the instrument

Voltage:

Label: Voltage

Type: Real control

Direction: Inbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

Used to determine which relays to operate

in systems with separate relays for high

and low voltage

Switch to:

Label: Switch to

Type: String control

Direction: Inbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

Used to determine if the voltage is to be

switched from ac to dc or dc to ac.
A - 29

Set ac voltage

SET AC VOLTAGE calculates the amount of offset to be introduced in the ac signal so that the output from

the ac source will match that of the dc source, and sets the ac source to that value. If the calculated ac

voltage exceeds the dc voltage by more that 10 %, this may indicate a failure in the ac source. In this

case SET AC VOLTAGE will call CLEAR SYSTEM to reset the supplies.

Connector Pane

Front Panel

GPIB Bus Status:

Label: GPIB Bus Status

Type: Cluster of enumerated lists

Direction: Inbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

The instrument lists define various

instrument models appropriate for the

indicated function. The address lists are

used to set the GPIB addresses of the

associated instrument.

Maximum Voltage:

Label: Maximum Voltage

Type: Real control

Direction: Inbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

The maximum voltage for the

measurement. If the calculated ac voltage

will be 100 % of this value, the supplies

are reset.

Output Voltage:

Label: Output Voltage

Type: Real control

Direction: Inbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

The presently applied ac voltage. Used to

calculate the new voltage level.

Voltage Drop:

Label: Voltage Drop

Type: Real control

Direction: Inbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

The voltage drop due to a series resistor

in the signal path.

Message:

Label: Message

Type: String indicator

Direction: Outbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

Returns an information message to the

calling VI.

New Ac Voltage:

Label: New Ac Voltage

Type: Real indicator

Direction: Outbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

The adjusted ac voltage. The ac source is

set to this voltage by this subVI.

Check Standard in:

Label: Check Standard in

Type Cluster of string controls

Direction: Inbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

Used to pass information about the

check standard range to the subVI to

prevent overranging.
A - 30
A - 31

Set dc voltage

Sets the dc source to the proper voltage.

Connector Pane

Front Panel

GPIB Bus Status:

Label: GPIB Bus Status

Type: Cluster of enumerated lists.

Direction: Inbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

The Instrument lists define various

instrument types appropriate for that

function. The address lists are used to set

the GPIB bus addresses of the instrument.

Output Voltage:

Label: Output Voltage

Type: Real control

Direction: Inbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

The voltage requested from the dc source

Applied dc:

Label: Applied dc

Type: Real indicator

Direction: Outbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

The dc voltage set on the source. Used for

informational purposes by the calling VI.
A - 32

Set Frequency

Fluke 5200A ac sources may have large frequency offsets at frequencies above about 1 kHz. This may

cause significant errors when measuring instruments with large frequency coefficients of ac-dc difference

at high frequencies. To help overcome this effect, this subVI adjusts the frequency of the Fluke 5200A

until it nominally matches the requested frequency. The frequencies must be defined in the subVI;

otherwise, SET FREQUENCY will not adjust the frequency and the default frequency of the Fluke 5200A will

remain set.

Connector Pane

Front Panel

GPIB Bus Status:

Label: GPIB Bus Status

Type: Cluster of enumerated lists.

Direction: Inbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

The Instrument lists define various

instrument types appropriate for that

function. The address lists are used to set

the GPIB bus addresses of the instrument.

Target:

Label: Target

Type: Real control

Direction: Outbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

The nominal frequency (in Hz) to which

the 5200A is set

Frequencies:

Label: Frequencies

Type: Two-dimensional real array

Direction: Internal

Visible on front panel: Yes

Two-column array used to compare the

5200A frequency (column 1) to the target

frequency (column 0).
A - 33

Standard Correction

Given the NIST standard and frequency for a measurement, this subVI uses a LabVIEW table to look up

and return the standard correction.

Connector Pane

Front Panel

Standard Corrections:

Label: Standard Corrections

Type: Table

Direction: Internal

Visible on front panel: Yes

Holds the corrections for the standards.

Standard:

Label: Standard

Type: String control

Direction: Inbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

The standard to get the correction for.

Frequency:

Label: Frequency

Type: String control

Direction: Inbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

The frequency of the measurement.

Correction:

Label: Correction

Type: String indicator

Direction: Outbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

Returns the standard correction.

Message:

Label: Message

Type: String indicator

Direction: Outbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

Returns a status message to the calling

VI.

Std. M:

Label: Std M

Type: String indicator

Direction: Outbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

Returns the n intercept of the fitted

thermoelement response characteristic

line.

Std. N:

Label: Std. N

Type: String Indicator

Direction: Outbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

Returns the slope of the fitted

thermoelement response characteristic

line.
A - 34

Std Corr Fit

This subVI calculates standard corrections for non-cardinal frequencies. For frequencies < 1 kHz, and for

frequencies > 100 kHz, the corrections are found from square-law fits. For other frequencies, the

corrections are calculated by a least-squares fit to the equation ∆=a1f

4

+a2f

2

+a3f+a4, the solution of which,

in matrix form, is ∆=(Mt

M)-1Mty. In this equation, ∆ is the calculated correction, M is the matrix containing

the frequencies (fn), and y is the column vector of corrections at the cardinal frequencies.

Connector Pane

Front Panel

M:

Label: M

Type: Two-dimensional real array.

Direction: Inbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

Matrix containing the cardinal frequencies.

y:

Label: y

Type: Real vector

Direction: Inbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

Vector containing the corrections to the

NIST standard at the cardinal frequencies.

a:

Label: a

Type Real vector

Direction: Internal

Visible on front panel: Yes

Augmented matrix used in taking the

inverse of the matrix M.

Frequency (kHz):

Label: Frequency (kHz)

Type: Real control

Direction: Inbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

The frequency (in kHz) at which to

compute the correction.

Correction:

Label: Correction

Type: String indicator

Direction: Outbound

Visible on front panel: Yes

The computed standard correction.

Returned as a string for inclusion in the

results table in the main VI.
A - 35

Datron Local

Datron and Wavetek/Datron calibrators cannot be placed in LOCAL mode from the front panel, unless

you turn off the power switch. This routine takes the less radical approach of sending a GTL (Go To

Local) command to the instrument address indicated on the front panel. Although intended for use with

Datron calibrators, it will also set other types of instruments to local, if necessary.

Connector Pane

Front Panel

Datron Address:

Label: Datron Address

Type: Integer controls

Direction: Internal

Visible on front panel: Yes

Indicates the address of the instrument to

be put in local mode.
A - 36

The Help Facility

Although not really a subVI, the Help Facility does deserve its own mention. The Help Facility is activated

by clicking on the box with the question mark to the right of the AC-DC logo in the title banner. When the

Help button is clicked, Adobe Acrobat Reader is launched and this documentation opened, using the

following two methods.

Apple MacOS: The file “Autosys.pdf” is displayed by a simple Apple Events call from a conditional loop

that interrogates the Boolean switch representing the Help button. Opening the document automatically

launches Acrobat Reader, which in turn calls the .pdf file. Note that the software makes no attempt to

confirm the presence of Acrobat Reader; if the Reader is not resident on the local computer, the

document load will fail.

Windows: For the windows version of the software, the system checks the availability of Acrobat Reader

using Windows Registry subVIs, and then loads the documentation using the System Exec VI. This code

is also resident in a conditional loop. The software returns an error if Acrobat is not found on the local

computer.

In both operating systems, the version of Acrobat launched will be the one found on the local computer.
B - 1

Appendix B: Setting up Thermal Voltage Converters for Calibration

Introduction

Thermal voltage converters (TVCs) are used to compare an unknown ac voltage to a known

dc voltage.

This appendix provides instruction on the setup and calibration of various ac-dc thermal

voltage converters. These instructions are intended to show how these TVCs are calibrated in the

Ac-dc Difference Laboratory at NIST, and should not be used exclusive of the instruction

manuals for these instruments.

Several types of instruments are presented here, representing the most widely-used (and

hence the most likely to be calibrated) thermal transfer standards. Other instruments may

occasionally be received for calibration. In many cases, these instructions are applicable to

several different types of transfer standards, as noted.
B - 2

Coaxial Thermal Voltage Converters

As a class, coaxial thermal voltage converters consist of thermoelements mounted coaxially

with range resistors to make a single voltage range. The TE and resistor may or may not be

mounted in the same enclosure. For low-frequency measurements (up to 100 kHz), the coaxial

TVC is generally comprised of one or more TEs and several resistors in separate enclosures;

different voltage ranges are formed from various combinations of TEs and resistors. These

devices are used from about 0.5 V up to 1000 V at frequencies up to 1 MHz. High-frequency

coaxial TVCs are comprised of a TE and resistor in the same enclosure. These devices are

generally used from 0.5 V to 100 V, and at frequencies up to 1 GHz.

Table B-1. Voltage ranges of five common coaxial TVC sets.

Voltage Ranges

Included

Ballantine

1398A

Holt

Model 11

JRL

TNB-1021

Holt

Model 202

Fluke A55

0.5 X X

1 X X X XX

2 X X X XX

3 X X X XX

4 X

6 X X X XX

10 X X X XX

12 X

20 X X X XX

30 X X X XX

40 X

60 X X X XX

100 X X X X X

120 X

200 X X X

300 X X X

400 X

600 X X X

1000 X X

1200 X

 1

 The voltage ranges of the NIST F7 set are identical to those of the JRL TNB-102.

2

 The voltage ranges of the NIST C set are identical to those of the Holt Model 20.
B - 3

Figure B-1. Photograph of a coaxial thermal voltage converter connected to one of the NIST

automated systems.

☛ To calibrate a coaxial thermal voltage converter, follow these steps:

i. Connect the UUT to one leg of a GR 874 Tee. You may need to use an adapter to connect the

UUT to the Tee, since some high-frequency thermal converters use BNC or Type N

connectors for the input signal.

ii. Connect the NIST standard to a second leg of the Tee,3

iii. Connect the cable from the automated system to the third leg of the Tee.

 3

 Theoretically, all GR 874 Tees in use in the Ac-dc Difference Laboratory have symmetrical legs, so it should not

matter which legs you use for the TVCs and which you use for the input signal. In practice, the different legs make a

contribution to the ac-dc difference at less than the 10-6 level at frequencies below about 100 kHz, and contribute

only a few parts in 106

 up to 1 MHz. By convention, the input is applied to the center leg of the Tee, and the

converters are connected to the cross legs.

NIST

Standard

TVC

Unit

Under

Test

GR-874 Tee

Standard

Channel

Detector

Cable

Test

Channel

Detector

Cable

TE

Ground

Leads Measurement

Signal

Cable
B - 4

iv. Connect the detector cables to the thermoelements, making sure that the standard channel

detector cable is connected to the NIST standard, and the test channel cable to the UUT.

v. Connect the ground wires from the low side of the thermoelement output connector to the

shell of the detector cable for both channels.

vi. Cover the TVCs, if necessary, to prevent problems with changes in ambient temperature.

vii. Launch the Ac-dc Difference VI and proceed according to the instructions in the Voltage

System VI section.
B - 5

Fluke 792A Thermal Transfer Standards

The Fluke 792A Thermal Transfer Standard is a multirange device consisting of a solid-state

thermal sensor and a set of range resistors mounted on a rotary switch. A separate battery pack

provides power for amplifiers internal to the Fluke 792A. These are used on the millivolt ranges

to amplify the input voltage to a level suitable for the sensor chip, and at low frequencies where

they buffer the output emf of the sensor.

The output of the Fluke 792A is 2 V for full-scale input. The output banana terminals may be

connected directly to a high-performance voltmeter, or a suitable thermoelement may be

connected to these output terminals, and the output of the external thermoelement sensed by the

automated systems. In general, in the NIST Ac-dc Difference Laboratory, the Fluke 792A output

is sensed using a thermoelement. The advantage of this method is that the systems and software

are already configured to measure thermoelements, so no modification is necessary to calibrate a

Fluke 792A. In addition, an external thermoelement completely isolates the output signal path

and eliminates common-mode voltages in the instrument.

The following photographs illustrate the connections to a Fluke 792A.
B - 6

Figure B-2. Front view of a Fluke 792A connected to one of the NIST automated systems.

Battery Pack

Fluke

792A

Thermal

Transfer

Standard

Monitor

TE

NIST

Standard

TVC

Test Channel

Detector Cable
B - 7

Figure B-3. Rear view of Fluke 792A and NIST standard TVC connected to one of the NIST

automated systems.

☛ To calibrate a Fluke 792A, follow these steps:

i. Connect the power supply to the transfer standard using the cable provided with the 792A.

The most efficient arrangement of the two boxes will often be with the power pack situated

atop the transfer standard, as shown in the photographs.

ii. The Fluke 792A uses a male-to-female Type-N feedthrough to extend the Type-N female

input connector (otherwise it’s difficult to get the 1000-V resistor connected properly). The

extension also prevents damage to the input connector when tightened. Make sure that the

Type-N extension is screwed firmly onto the input connector.

iii. Connect a Type-N to GR-874 adapter to the Type-N extension. This adapter will have a

negligible effect on the ac-dc difference of the 792A at high frequencies, compared to the

calibration uncertainties.

Battery

Pack

Fluke 792A

NIST

Standard

TVC

GR 874

Tee

Standard

Channel

Detector

Cable

Type-N to

GR-874

Adapter
B - 8

iv. Ensure that both the Type-N to GR-874 adapter and the Type-N extension are firmly

connected to the Fluke 792A. You may need to use pliers to ensure an adequate connection.

v. Connect one leg of a GR-874 Tee to the Type-N to GR-874 adapter.

vi. Connect a second leg of the Tee to the NIST standard TVC.

vii. Connect the signal lead from the automated system to the third leg of the Tee.

viii. At NIST, a thermoelement is generally connected to the output terminals of the Fluke 792A.

This lets you run the normal LabVIEW voltage VI without change, and isolates the 792A

output from the measurement circuit. To connect a thermoelement to the 792A, first insert a

banana plug to GR-874 adapter into the output terminals of the 792A. Then connect an

appropriate TE to the adapter.

☛ Note: The 792A supplies 2 V for full-scale input. Make sure you choose a thermoelement

appropriate to the output of the 792A.

ix. Connect the test detector lead to the TE attached to the 792A output terminals.

x. Connect the standard detector lead to the NIST standard TVC.

xi. Depress the power switch on the 792A power pack to energize the instrument.

viii. Connect the ground wires from the low side of the thermoelement output connector to the

shell of the detector cable for both channels.

ix. Cover the standard TVC, if necessary, to prevent problems with changes in ambient

temperature.

x. Launch the Ac-dc Difference VI and proceed according to the instructions in the section

covering the operation of that VI.

Warning: The Fluke 792A has an internal protection circuit that guards against accidental

overvoltage. However, the instrument may be damaged if the power supply is activated

while voltage is applied to the Type-N input connector. Always turn the power switch ON

before applying a signal to the input connector.
B - 9

Fluke 540B and Holt 6A Transfer Standards

These instruments represent an earlier generation of multirange thermal transfer standards.

The two instruments are generally similar; both contain a set of range resistors on a rotary

switch, both use UHF connectors for the input signal, and both contain two thermoelements

arranged so that the dc reversal errors in the TEs are relatively small. The Fluke 540B has an

internal battery pack that powers the internal galvanometer circuitry and the protection switch;

the Holt 6A is powered from the ac mains. With the increasing popularity of the Fluke 792A and

high-performance digital voltmeters, these two instruments are no longer frequently calibrated at

NIST; however, the Fluke 540B is used as a detector for the A40 and A40A current shunts, and it

is possible that you may calibrate an occasional instrument in this capacity.

A photograph of a Fluke 540B connected to one of the NIST automated systems is shown

below. The connection of a Holt 6A is similar.

Figure B-4. Fluke 540B connected to one of the NIST automated systems.

Fluke 540B

Transfer

Standard

NIST

Standard

TVC

GR-874

Tee

UHF to

GR-874

Adapter

3-pin to

2-pin

Adapter

with Test

Channel

Detector

Cable

Standard Channel

Detector Cable
B - 10

☛ To calibrate a Fluke 540B or Holt 6A, follow these steps:

i. Ensure that the transfer standard is powered. For the Holt 6A, this involves connecting the

instrument to the ac power mains and turning the toggle switch to ON. For the Fluke 540B,

check the batteries using the rotary POWER switch on the front panel. To calibrate a Fluke

540B using the NIST method, the batteries must be charged only in the SEARCH position;

the GALVANOMETER and REFERENCE settings are not needed. Ascertain that the battery

indicator is in the Bat OK region while the switch is in the SEARCH position, then turn the

switch to the ON position to power up the instrument.

ii. Both the Fluke 540B and Holt 6A have two sets of input terminals. In normal operation the

dc source is connected to the banana terminals and the ac source to the UHF connector; the

operator then switches the input signal using the MODE switch (Fluke 540B) or the

FUNCTION switch (Holt 6A). Only the UHF connector is used for a NIST calibration.

Connect a UHF to GR-874 adapter to the UHF connector on the front panel. Then set the

MODE switch to AC TRANSFER (Fluke 540B) or the FUNCTION switch to AC (Holt

6A).

iii. Connect one leg of a GR-874 Tee to the UHF to GR-874 adapter.

iv. Connect the NIST standard TVC to a second leg of the GR-874 Tee.

v. Connect the signal lead from the automated system to the third leg of the Tee.

vi. Connect a 3-pin to 2-pin adapter to the High-Frequency Thermal Converter (HFTC)

connector on the front panel.

vii. Connect the standard channel detector cable to the output of the NIST standard TVC.

viii. Connect the test channel detector cable to the 3-pin to 2-pin adapter on the HFTC connector.

ix. Connect the grounding leads from the outer conductors of the detector cables to the low side

of the thermoelement outputs for both channels.

x. Set the rotary RANGE switch to the appropriate voltage range.

xi. Cover the NIST standard TVC, if necessary, to prevent problems with changes in ambient

temperature.

xii. Launch the Ac-dc Difference VI and proceed according to the instructions in the Voltage

System VI section.
B - 11

Ballantine Models 1600A and 1605A

Ballantine Laboratories produced these instruments, the Models 1600A and 1605A, in the

1970s and 1980s. Few examples were sold, especially of the Model 1605A, and the likelihood

that you will calibrate one at NIST is remote. Nevertheless, at least one Model 1600A is still in

circulation, and for completeness, a description of the connection to the automated systems is

presented here. Unfortunately, no photographs were available of these instruments; however,

connection diagrams are presented.

Figure B-5. Diagram for connecting a Ballantine 1600A to the automated system.

☛ To calibrate a Ballantine 1600A, follow these steps:

i. The Ballantine 1600A has two modules, the dc autobalancing module, and a separate

module containing the power supply, range resistors (mounted on a rotary switch), and

Standard channel

detector cable

GR874

Tee

NIST standard TVC Ac-dc

output

cable

Ballantine 1600

Relay panel

1600

shorting

plug

Standard 

Channcl DVM Test Channel DVM
B - 12

thermoelement. This module can be calibrated independently of the autobalancing module,

and is generally sent to NIST without the rest of the instrument. The measurement module

connects to the autobalancing module via a 50 pin D-connector. To calibrate this

instrument, insert a custom-made, 50 pin shorting plug into the interface connector4

.

ii. Power up the instrument by plugging the power cord into the ac mains and depressing the

green power button.

iii. This instrument has separate inputs for low and high voltage. Insert one leg of a GR-874

Tee into the appropriate GR-874 input connector.

iv. Connect the NIST standard TVC to a second leg of the GR-874 Tee.

v. Connect the signal lead from the automated system to the third leg of the Tee.

vi. Set the appropriate input voltage range using the rotary switch on the front panel.

vii. Connect the test channel detector lead to the Ballantine 1600A output connector through a

3-pin to 2-pin adapter.

viii. Connect the standard channel detector cable to the NIST standard TVC output connector.

ix. Ensure that the low sides of the thermoelements are grounded to the shell of the detector

cables.

x. Launch the Ac-dc Difference VI and proceed according to the instructions in the Voltage

System VI section.

The Model 1605A is roughly similar to the Model 1600, with a few exceptions. The input to

the instrument is identical, with the input ranges split between a high-voltage connector and a

low-voltage connector. The ranges are switch selectable, as in the 1600, and it is operated on ac

mains power. However, the Model 1605A has no separate thermal converter module, so the

instrument is calibrated as a whole. The Model 1605A is not a passive device like the 1600, and

its autobalancing feature must be disabled before calibration. The output emf of the Model

1605A is available at the 3-pin connector on the back panel. You may need to remove a cover

plate to gain access to the emf output connector. The connections to the automated system are

shown in Figure B-6.

☛ To calibrate a Ballantine 1605A, follow these steps:

i. Power up the instrument by plugging the power cord into the ac mains and operating the

toggle switch.

ii. This instrument has separate inputs for low and high voltage. Insert one leg of a GR-874

Tee into the appropriate GR-874 input connector.

iii. Connect the NIST standard TVC to a second leg of the GR-874 Tee.

iv. Connect the signal lead from the automated system to the third leg of the Tee.

 4

 A plug of this type is kept in the Ac-dc Difference Laboratory.
B - 13

v. Set the appropriate input voltage range using the rotary switch on the front panel.

vi. Connect the test channel detector lead to the Ballantine 1600A output connector through a

3-pin to 2-pin adapter. The output connector is on the rear panel. You may need to remove

a cover to access the connector.

vii. Connect the standard channel detector cable to the NIST standard TVC output connector.

viii. Ensure that the low sides of the thermoelements are grounded to the shell of the detector

cables.

ix. Disable the autobalancing mode by depressing the TRANSFER-RESET and STANDBY

buttons on the front panel. The OUTPUT and OPERTATE sections of the buttons should

be lit.

x. Set the MODE switch to AUTO NORM and take the 1605A out of AUTO RECYCLE mode

by pressing the button until the LED is extinguished.

xi. Launch the Ac-dc Difference VI and proceed according to the instructions in Voltage

System VI section.

Figure B-5. Diagram for connecting a Ballantine 1605A to the automated system.

Standard channel

detector cable

GR

874

Tee

NIST standard TVC

Ac-dc

output

cable

Ballantine 1605

Relay panel

Test channel

detector cable

Test Channel DVM Standard Channel DVM
C - 1

Appendix C: Setting up Thermal Current Converters for Calibration

Introduction

Thermal Current Converters (TCCs) are used to compare an unknown ac current to a known

dc current. These devices are used to compare the voltage drop through a resistance structure

when ac current is applied to the resistor, to that when dc is applied to the resistor. This voltage

can then be measured externally using a voltmeter or thermal converter, and the ac-dc difference

of the shunt determined by the differences in the output when ac and dc signals are applied in

sequence.
C-2

Fluke A40 and A40A Current Shunts

The Fluke A40 (for currents up to 5 A) and A40A (10 A and 20 A) currents shunts are

designed to plug into the banana sockets on the front panel of a Model 540B Thermal Transfer

Standard. However, they can also be used with thermoelements provided that the thermoelement

case is constructed to fit the wide spacing of the banana plug potential output of the shunts. The

resistance element of the A40 is a U-shaped sheet of resistance material, with the potential leads

connected perpendicularly to the resistor and brought to the surface of the shunt on banana plugs.

The A40A shunt is coaxial in design, with UHF connectors for both the current and potential

terminals.

Photographs of a A40 and an A40A connected to the automated current calibration system

are shown in Figures C-1 and C-2, respectively.

Figure C-1. Fluke A40 current shunt with separate thermoelement connected to one of the NIST

automated systems.

Fluke A40

Shunt

Thermoelement

NIST Multirange

Current Standard

Input Cable

From Amplifier

Cable to Shunt

Input High

Terminals

Output Low

Terminals

Braids Connected

Through Banana

Terminal

Test Channel

Detector Cable

Standard Channel

Detector Cable
C-3

☛ To calibrate a Fluke A40, follow these steps:

i. Select a suitable transconductance amplifier. A transconductance amplifier passes voltage

from the sources in the automated systems through a resistor to generate a current which is

proportional to that voltage. At present, two such amplifiers are used in the NIST Ac-dc

Difference Laboratory. The Guildline 7620 is suitable for use at currents up to 20 A at

100 kHz. The Clarke-Hess 8100 is suitable for use up to 100 A at 100 kHz.

WARNING: The Guildline 7620 has no dedicated standby state. Large current spikes may

be generated when the instrument is turned on. In addition, if the output is an open circuit,

the output current will ramp up to the maximum current permitted for the set current range.

To protect the thermal converters, ALWAYS short the output connector of the amplifier

before you switch the power on. The Clarke-Hess 8100 has a true standby state and is

immune to this hazard.

ii. Connect an RG8/U cable from the amplifier to the NIST current standard. The amplifier you

use will determine the type of cable you need. For the Guildline 7620, you will need a cable

with a UHF connector at one end and spade lugs on the other. The Clarke-Hess 8100 uses

banana sockets for output currents up to 2 A and an LC connector for currents above 2 A. If

you wish to use the high-current ranges, you will need an LC to UHF adapter.

iii. For currents of 0.5 A and below, the NIST standard is a multirange box with TEs mounted on

a rotary switch. For currents above 0.5 A, the NIST standards are separate high-current

thermoelements. Both types of standards use banana screw terminals as the input and output

connectors. Connect the inner conductor of the input cable to the high terminal of the NIST

standard by placing the spade lug beneath the banana terminal and screwing it down firmly.

iv. Connect the UUT in series with the NIST standard using a RG8/U cable with spade lugs on

each end. Connect the inner of the cable to the low terminal of the NIST standard, and to

the high (red) terminal of the A40. Connect the spade lug on the braid of the cable to the

low (black) terminal of the A40.

v. Complete the current circuit by connecting the braids of the two cables together. This is most

efficiently accomplished by placing the spade lugs on each braid in a banana socket and

screwing the terminal firmly down.

☛ Note: Loose connections may result in increased scatter in the measurements. Make sure that

all screw terminals are firmly tightened. A nut driver or pliers may be helpful in making tight

connections.
C-4

☛ Note: Owing to the geometry of the resistance element in Fluke A40 shunts, the orientation

of the leads at the face of the A40 effects the measurement results, often dramatically. It is

NIST practice to bring the input leads perpendicular to the face of the A40, with the spade

lugs bent at a right angle to connect to the banana terminals. This minimizes the interaction

of the input signal with the electromagnetic fields induced in the resistor.

vi. Connect an appropriate TE or Fluke 540B to the potential terminals of the A40. Note that the

terminals on the A40 have a wider spacing than standard twin banana terminals, and a

dedicated thermoelement must be constructed accordingly. To use a 540B, simply plug the

shunt into the shunt terminals of the transfer standard, ensuring that the high and low

terminals are aligned.

vii. Connect the detector leads to the outputs of the NIST current standard and to the output of

the UUT. If you are monitoring the output of the A40 with A Fluke 540B, see the section

on the 540B for instructions on connecting the output lead.

viii. Ensure that the NIST standard is set to the appropriate current range. Also make sure that the

UUT is set to an appropriate range. For a 540B, this means that the rotary range switch is

set to the shunt position. However, since the shunt terminals on the Fluke 540B bypass the

protection, the instrument need not be under power for these measurements.

ix. Launch the Current System VI and follow the instructions provided in the section on the

Current System VI.
C-5

Figure C-2. Fluke A40A current shunt with separate thermoelement connected to one of the

NIST automated systems.

☛ To calibrate a Fluke A40A, follow these steps:

i. Select a suitable transconductance amplifier. A transconductance amplifier passes voltage

from the sources in the automated systems through a resistor to generate a current which is

proportional to that voltage. At present, two such amplifiers are used in the NIST Ac-dc

Difference Laboratory. The Guildline 7620 is suitable for use at currents up to 20 A at

100 kHz. The Clarke-Hess 8100 is suitable for use up to 100 A at 100 kHz.

WARNING: The Guildline 7620 has no dedicated standby state. Large current spikes may

be generated when the instrument is turned on. In addition, if the output is an open circuit,

the output current will ramp up to the maximum current permitted for the set current range.

Fluke A40A

Thermoelement

NIST Current

Standard

Input Cable

From Amplifier

Cable to Shunt

Braids Connected

Through Banana

Terminal

Test Channel

Detector Cable

Standard

Channel

Detector Cable

Input High

Terminal

Input Low

Terminal
C-6

To protect the thermal converters, ALWAYS short the output connector of the amplifier

before you switch the power on. The Clarke-Hess 8100 has a true standby state and is

immune to this hazard.

ii. Connect an RG8/U cable from the amplifier to the NIST current standard. The amplifier you

use will determine the type of cable you need. For the Guildline 7620, you will need a cable

with a UHF connector at one end and spade lugs on the other. The Clarke-Hess 8100 uses

banana sockets for output currents up to 2 A and an LC connector for currents above 2 A. If

you wish to use the high-current ranges, you will need an LC to UHF adapter.

iii. For currents of 0.5 A and below, the NIST standard is a multirange box with TEs mounted on

a rotary switch. For currents above 0.5 A, the NIST standards are separate high-current

thermoelements. Both types of standards use banana screw terminals as the input and output

connectors. Connect the inner conductor of the input cable to the high terminal of the NIST

standard by placing the spade lug beneath the banana terminal and screwing it down firmly.

iv. The Fluke A40A is a coaxial shunt with UHF connectors at each end. Use a coaxial cable

with a UHF connector at one end to connect the A40A to the NIST standard.

x. Complete the current circuit by connecting the braids of the two cables together. This is most

efficiently accomplished by placing the spade lugs on each braid in a banana socket and

screwing the terminal firmly down.

☛ Note: Loose connections may result in increased scatter in the measurements. Make sure that

all screw terminals are firmly tightened. A nut driver or water pump pliers may be helpful in

making tight connections.

xi. Connect an appropriate TE or Fluke 540B to the potential terminal of the A40A. Note that

the potential connector is a UHF connector and that you may need to use an adapter to

connect the TE. To use a Fluke 540B, use the dedicated UHF to banana cable that should

have been supplied with the shunts and transfer standard.

xii. Connect the detector leads to the outputs of the NIST current standard and to the output of

the UUT. If you are monitoring the output of the A40 with A Fluke 540B, see the section

on the 540B for instructions on connecting the output lead.

xiii. Ensure that the NIST standard is set to the appropriate current range. Also make sure that the

UUT is set to an appropriate range. For a 540B, this means that the rotary range switch is

set to the shunt position. However, since the shunt terminals on the Fluke 540B bypass the

protection, the instrument need not be under power for these measurements.

xiv. Launch the Current System VI and follow the instructions provided in the section on the

Current System VI.
C-7

Holt HCS-1 Current Shunts

The Holt HCS-1 current shunts are of a coaxial design, the resistor being a web of wire arranged

coaxially about the axis of the shunt. The input terminal is a female UHF connector at one end,

and the potential terminal is a male UHF at the other. The lowest current ranges in the HCS-1 set

are contained in a multirange module, the current ranges being selected using a switch.

A photograph of a Holt HCS-1 connected to a NIST automated system is shown in Figure C-3.

Figure C-3. Holt HCS-1 with a dedicated TE connected to one of the NIST automated systems.

NIST

Current

Standard

HCS-1

Shunt

Thermoelement

Input Cable

From Amplifier

Cable to Shunt

Braids Connected

Through Banana

Terminal

Test Channel

Detector Cable

Standard Channel

Detector Cable
C-8

☛ To calibrate a Holt HCS-1, follow these steps:

i. Select a suitable transconductance amplifier. A transconductance amplifier passes voltage

from the sources in the automated systems through a resistor to generate a current which is

proportional to that voltage. At present, two such amplifiers are used in the NIST Ac-dc

Difference Laboratory. The Guildline 7620 is suitable for use at currents up to 20 A at

100 kHz. The Clarke-Hess 8100 is suitable for use up to 100 A at 100 kHz.

WARNING: The Guildline 7620 has no dedicated standby state. Large current spikes may

be generated when the instrument is turned on. In addition, if the output is an open circuit,

the output current will ramp up to the maximum current permitted for the set current range.

To protect the thermal converters, ALWAYS short the output connector of the amplifier

before you switch the power on. The Clarke-Hess 8100 has a true standby state and is

immune to this hazard.

ii. Connect an RG8/U cable from the amplifier to the NIST current standard. The amplifier you

use will determine the type of cable you need. For the Guildline 7620, you will need a cable

with a UHF connector at one end and spade lugs on the other. The Clarke-Hess 8100 uses

banana sockets for output currents up to 2 A and an LC connector for currents above 2 A. If

you wish to use the high-current ranges, you will need an LC to UHF adapter.

iii. For currents of 0.5 A and below, the NIST standard is a multirange box with TEs mounted on

a rotary switch. For currents above 0.5 A, the NIST standards are separate high-current

thermoelements. Both types of standards use banana screw terminals as the input and output

connectors. Connect the inner conductor of the input cable to the high terminal of the NIST

standard by placing the spade lug beneath the banana terminal and screwing it down firmly.

iv. The Holt HCS-1 is a coaxial shunt with UHF connectors at each end. Use a coaxial cable

with a UHF connector at one end to connect the HCS-1 to the NIST standard.

v. Complete the current circuit by connecting the braids of the two cables together. This is most

efficiently accomplished by placing the spade lugs on each braid in a banana socket and

screwing the terminal firmly down.

☛ Note: Loose connections may result in increased scatter in the measurements. Make sure that

all screw terminals are firmly tightened. A nut driver or water pump pliers may be helpful in

making tight connections.

vi. Connect an appropriate TE to the potential terminal of the HCS-1. Note that the potential

connector is a UHF connector and that you may need to use an adapter to connect the TE.
C-9

vii. Connect the detector leads to the outputs of the NIST current standard and to the output of

the UUT.

viii. Ensure that the NIST standard is set to the appropriate current range. Also make sure that the

UUT is set to an appropriate range.

ix. Launch the Current System VI and follow the instructions provided in the section on the

Current System VI.
C-10

Precision Measurements 9000 Series Shunts

This is a set of four current shunts intended to cover ranges of 10 A to 100 A. These shunts

are coaxial in design, the resistance element being a circular array of small resistors sandwiched

between two circular plates. The current path is coaxial through the shunt, and the potential leads

are brought through the shunt casing perpendicularly to the resistor array. The input and output

connectors are Type LC. These shunts are designed to be used coaxially in series, so that the

shunt at the bottom of the series (the test, in the NIST convention) must have a shorting plug

connected to its output current terminal. A photograph of a PMI shunt connected to an automated

system is shown in Figure C-3.

Figure C-3. A Precision Measurements shunt connected in series to a NIST shunt on one of the

automated systems.

PMI

Shunt

Shorting

Plug

UUT TE

Standard TE

NIST 100A

Shunt

Test Channel

Detector Cable

Standard Channel

Detector Cable
C-11

☛ To calibrate a Precision Measurements, Incorporated (PMI) shunt, follow these steps:

i. PMI shunts are coaxial and may be used two terminally or three terminally. In the NIST

measurement scheme, the UUT is always at the bottom of the two current converters in

series, so that the UUT is grounded. For PMI shunts, this means that you must install a

shorting plug on the output LC connector to complete the current path.

ii. For currents greater than 20 A, the NIST standard will also be a high-current shunt as shown

in Figure C-3. Screw this 100 A shunt onto the output connector of the Clark-Hess 8100

amplifier.

iii. Screw the appropriate PMI shunt onto the output connector of the NIST 100 A shunt.

☛ Note: Although it has been claimed that the LC connectors on the amplifier can support the

combined load of a NIST shunt and a PMI shunt, it is a good idea to support both shunts.

iv. At NIST, thermoelements are used to monitor the potential outputs of the shunts. Select

appropriate TEs and connect them to the BNC connectors of each shunt. You will need a

adapter to make the connection to the TE.

☛ Note: The 1255-n series of thin-film multijunction thermal converters fabricated at NIST

make excellent thermoelements for monitoring high-current shunts, due to their large

dynamic range.

☛ Note: At low currents, the output from the NIST 100 A shunt will be quite small and

difficult to measure. You may need to use a Fluke 792A Thermal Transfer Standard to

monitor the output on one of its millivolt ranges.

v. Connect the test and standard channel detector cables to the TEs monitoring the potential

outputs of the shunts.

vi. Connect the power cords to the integrated fans on the shunts and turn the fans on.

vii. Launch the Current System VI and follow the instructions provided in the section on the

Current System VI.
D - 1

Appendix D: Data Files

Introduction

The ac-dc difference calibration routine writes out a tab-delimited, plain-text data file at the

completion of each frequency. The data file, named for the voltage or current range of the

calibration, contains a record of the data taken during the calibration, and is written into a folder

named for the identification of the test (in the Test Information field of the Ac-dc Difference VI).

The calibration data file may be imported into a spreadsheet application, such as Microsoft

Excel, for annotation and archiving.

The Calibration Data File

An example of an archival data file is shown in Figure D-1. It presents the results of a

calibration of a NIST standard 100 V thermal voltage converter. The text file was named

“100 V” for the TVC voltage range, and was written to a folder named to reflect the

measurement. The file has been formatted slightly to improve the readability.

The data file is formatted in the following manner:

• The topmost line repeats the information you entered into the Test Information field in the

voltage or current VI.

• The second line presents the frequency of the measurement, and the date and time.

• The next line presents the voltage or current range of the UUT and the applied voltage or

current.

• The fourth line identifies the NIST standard and presents the voltage drop of a series resistor

(for voltage measurements) or the current range of the transconductance amplifier used for

current calibrations.

• The fifth line identifies the automated system used for the calibrations.

Beneath this line are 12 columns that present the data from the measurements. The number of

rows is determined by how many determinations you specified in the voltage or current VI.

The columns present the following information:
D - 2

Column

Heading

Information

X An “x” in this column indicates that a particular point was excluded from the

average ac-dc difference because it failed Chauvenet’s Criterion

N The determination number

ds The ac-dc difference of the standard channel

dt The ac-dc difference of the test channel

d (μV/V) The uncorrected ac-dc difference of the UUT

Cs (μV/V The correction to the NIST standard

D (μV/V) The corrected ac-dc difference of the UUT (D = d + Cs)

Rs The dc reversal error of the standard

Rt The dc reversal error of the UUT

Time The time elapsed from the beginning of the measurement sequence

Temp (oC) The ambient temperature recorded by the sensor for the system

Ac (V) The ac voltage (or current ) required to match the dc reference voltage or current

The bottommost line in the data file presents the average values of the data in each column,

along with the standard deviation of the measurements (s) and the k = 2 calculated uncertainty of

the calibration (uc:).

Each frequency specified in the current or voltage VI will be appended to the data file for the

voltage or current range being calibrated. This can lead to a mixing of dates and possibly

converters, so some care is required when you import the data file into a spreadsheet application

for analysis.

File Paths

Although the calibration software is independent of platform (having been run on both Apple

Macintoshes and Windows computers) you will need to set the file paths for the data files used

by the software. To set the file path, identify the folder in which you wish the folders for discrete

calibration to be placed. Note the file path to this folder. Then launch the ac-dc difference

application, and advance the view to frame 3. Note the file path indicated by the string constant

shown in red text in the yellow box. Change this text to the appropriate file path. When a

calibration is started, the software will create or open the appropriate subfolder for the

calibration, and create or append data to the appropriate data file. This procedure is explicitly

displayed in the following examples:
D - 3

Example 1: Macintosh file hierarchy

The file hierarchy on an Apple Macintosh goes something like this:

Data Disk:Calibration Files:Calibration Data:Test Folder:123456:10V.dat

To direct the ac-dc software to use this file path when writing files, put this text in the box:

Data Disk:Calibration Files:Calibration Data:Test Folder:

The software will append the appropriate folder and data file name, open a path to the file, and

write out the calibration data as required.

Example 1: PC file hierarchy

The file hierarchy on a windows-based PC goes like this

C$:Calibration Files\Calibration Data\Test Folder\123456\10V.dat

To direct the ac-dc software to use this file path when writing files, put this text in the box:

C$:Calibration Files\Calibration Data\Test Folder\

The software will append the appropriate folder and data file name, open a path to the file, and

write out the calibration data as required.
E - 1

Appendix E: Instrument Definitions

Introduction to Appendix E

As described in the sections pertaining to running the voltage and current VIs, the software

supports the use of many different types of instruments in the calibration systems. In general,

you need only set the appropriate instrument definitions in the enumerated lists in the GPIB Bus

Status cluster; the software handles all GPIB bus commands. As of February 2003, when this

document was assembled, the instruments pre-defined in the enumerated lists were sufficient to

enable the automated systems to calibrate all thermal transfer standards routinely encountered in

the calibration service over the entire parameter space offered by the service. Any expansion of

the parameter space or the development of new transfer standards may prompt additional

instrumentation to be added to the lists.

Adding Instrument Definitions

Adding instruments to the GPIB bus definitions is relatively straightforward, although, since

the addition of instruments requires some programming, the user should be well versed in

LabVIEW before attempting to add instrument definitions. To add an instrument to an

enumerated list, first select the LabVIEW Operate tool () and select the instrument definition at

the bottom of the enumerated list to which you wish to add. Then press the command key ()

simultaneously with the mouse button and select the Add Item After option. Enter the name of

the new instrument in the box provided, and press the ENTER key on the numeric keypad. The

new instrument will now be available in the GPIB Bus Status cluster for your selection.

Now comes the fun part. As soon as you changed the GPIB Bus Status cluster, the VI became

unexecutable because the GPIB Bus Status cluster no longer matches the cluster in all the subVIs

that use this structure. So, you will need to find all the subVIs that access the GPIB Bus Status

cluster and insert the new instrument into each subVI. To find a list of the subVIs that have

errors, press COMMAND-L (+L). This opens a window that shows you the subVIs that are

now in error because of the change in the main VI. You may double-click on each entry to open

the subVIs. Modify the cluster in the subVIs as you did in the main VI.

Several of the subVIs are used to interact with the GPIB bus. You will need to select the

VI(s) that control the instrument you just added to the GPIB Bus Status cluster, and add

appropriate code so that the VI can control the instrument. See Appendix A for more information

on the function of the subVIs.
E - 2

GPIB Instrument Definitions

The instrument definitions included in the present version of the automated system software

are presented in the tables below. The addresses of the instrument may vary according to system,

but all GPIB instruments will have addresses in the range of 1 to 30.

Table E-1. Automated system instrument definitions.

Instrument Type Instrument Description

DC Source Fluke 5440B Dc Calibrator. 0 V to 1000 V.

Fluke 5700 Series Multifunction Calibrator. 0 V to 1000 V in dc

mode. Fluke Models 5700 and 5720 share

common bus commands.

Datron 4000 Dc Calibrator. 0 V to 1000 V.

Datron 4700 Multifunction Calibrator, 0 V to 1000 V in dc

mode.

Systron-Donner

M-107

Dc calibrator. 0 V to 1000 V.

Ac Source Fluke 5700 Series Multifunction Calibrator. 0 V to 220 V rms,

10 Hz to 100 kHz; 0 V to 30 V rms, 100 kHz to

1 MHz; 0 V to 1 V, 30 MHz in ac mode. Fluke

Models 5700 and 5720 share common bus

commands.

Fluke 5700A/5215A Ac Calibrator and Power Amplifier. 0 V to

1000 V rms, 10 Hz to 100 kHz in combination;

Fluke 5200A/5215A1 Ac Calibrator and Power Amplifier. 0 V to

1000 V rms, 10 Hz to 100 kHz in combination;

0 V to 120 V rms, 10 Hz to 1 MHz for Fluke

5200A alone.

Datron 4200 Ac Calibrator. 0 V to 1000 V rms, 10 Hz to

30 kHz; 0 V to 750 V rms2, 10 Hz to 100 kHz;

0 V to 20 V rms, 10 Hz to 1 MHz.

Datron 4700 Multifunction Calibrator. 0 V to 1000 V rms,

10 Hz to 30 kHz; 0 V to 750 V rms1

, 10 Hz to

100 kHz; 0 V to 20 V rms, 10 Hz to 1 MHz in ac

mode.

 1

 The Fluke 5215A is a 100:1 power amplifier that will supply 1000 V from 10 Hz to 100 kHz. It is ac coupled and

therefore cannot be used separately from the Model 5200A ac calibrator.

2

 In practice, the maximum available voltage will depend on the capacitance of the load.
E - 3

Table E-1. Automated system instrument definitions.

Instrument Type Instrument Description

Fluke 5700/PA-253 Multifunction Calibrator and Power Amplifier.

0 V to 100 V rms, 10 Hz to 1 MHz. Fluke Models

5700 and 5720 share common bus commands.

Fluke 5200A/PA-25 Ac Calibrator and Power Amplifier. 0 V to 100 V

rms, 10 Hz to 1 MHz.

Datron 4200/PA-25 Ac Calibrator and Power Amplifier. 0 V to 100 V

rms, 10 Hz to 1 MHz.

Datron 4200/PA-11824 Ac Calibrator and Power Amplifier. 0 V to

1000 V rms, 10 Hz to 100 kHz.

Transconductance

Amplifier

Clarke-Hess 8100A Used in combination with ac and dc calibrators:

0 A to 100 A, 10 Hz to 100 kHz, voltage switched

at the input.

Guildline 7620A Used in combination with ac and dc calibrators:

0 A to 20 A, 10 Hz to 100 kHz, voltage switched

at the input.

Std. DVM Keithley 182 High-performance nanovoltmeter.

HP 3458A High-performance voltmeter, used in dc mode.

HP 34420A High-performance nanovoltmeter.

Test DVM Keithley 182 High-performance nanovoltmeter.

HP 3458A High-performance voltmeter, used in dc mode.

HP 34420A High-performance nanovoltmeter.

Dc DVM Keithley 181 Digital Voltmeter

Fluke 8506A Digital Voltmeter

Temperature Keithley 181 Digital Voltmeter

Fluke 8506A Digital Voltmeter

Relay HP 3497A/Internal Relay controller with internal relays5.

HP 59306A/External Relay controller with external relays.

HP 59306A/HP8761A Relay controller with high-frequency relay.

 3

 The Optimation PA-25 is a 20:1 power amplifier that will supply 100 V from dc to 1 MHz.

4

 The Optimation PA-1182 is a 100:1, dc coupled amplifier, suitable for use on both dc and ac. The system supplies lowvoltage ac and dc signals to its input terminals.

5

 Internal relays refer to relays built into the systems in dedicated switching panels (See Figure 1 on page

Introduction – 3 for a photograph of System II, showing the relay panel). External relays refer to relay boxes

separate from the system. The coil voltages of external relays must be furnished from external power supplies.
F - 1

Appendix F: A Brief Explanation of Uncertainty Analysis

The uncertainties quoted by the NIST Ac-dc Difference Calibration Service are

calculated in accordance with NIST Technical Note 1297. The combined standard

uncertainty of a measurement is the root-sum-of-squares (RSS) method of combining

uncertainty components as standard deviations.

These uncertainty components may be evaluated as either Type A or Type B, where

the former can be evaluated using statistical means and the latter cannot. For a

determination of ac-dc difference using a NIST automated calibration system, the Type A

uncertainty is the standard deviation of the points that are averaged to determine the ac-dc

difference. The contributions to the uncertainty arising from the thermal converters

themselves and the measurement system are evaluated as Type B components. These two

uncertainty components are combined using the RSS method to calculate the combined

standard uncertainty. The expanded uncertainty (the “final” uncertainty provided to the

customer or for NIST standards in a recharacterization) is the combined standard

uncertainty multiplied by a coverage factor (k) of 2, corresponding to a confidence level

of approximately 95 %.

To assist in assigning uncertainties to the measurements made by the automated

systems, the software will automatically calculate the uncertainty by combining the

standard deviations of a determination with the Type B components previously evaluated

for a particular type of thermal converter at a voltage and frequency combination. The

Type B uncertainties are stored in tab-delimited data files as described in Table F-1.

Table F-1. The names and descriptions of the data files storing the Type B uncertainty

information for the NIST automated ac-dc difference calibration system.

Data File Name Description

Internal.dat Type B components for NIST standards

Coaxial.dat Type B components for coaxial thermal voltage converters

792A.dat Type B components for Fluke 792A thermal transfer standards

Multirange.dat Type B components for multirange thermal transfer standards

TCC.dat Type B components for thermal current converters

☛ Note: You must indicate the type of thermal converter to calculate the uncertainties

for by choosing the data file to use in the Uncertainties For: list box on the Ac-dc

Difference front panel.
References - 1

Appendix G: References

[1] T. E. Lipe, “Operations manual for the NIST automated ac-dc difference calibration system,”

1994, unpublished.

[2] B. D. Inglis, “Standards for ac-dc transfer,” Metrologia, 29, pp. 191-199, January 1992.

[3] F. L. Hermach, “Thermal converters as ac-dc transfer standards for current and voltage

measurements at audio frequencies,” J. Res. Nat. Bur. Stand., 48, No. 2, pp. 121-148, February

1952.

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